Age shall not weary him
Veteran sprinter Tavis Court showed there is still plenty of fight left in the old dog as he led all the way to take out the opening event at New Plymouth on Saturday, the Paslode Open (1400m).
The ten-year-old Tavistock gelding has always thrived on winter tracks and with rider Kate Hercock producing a pacemaking special, the Anna Clement-trained galloper was always going to be hard to peg back for his four rivals.
Tavis Court jumped cleanly from the barrier and Hercock had no hesitation in keeping another likely leader in Chajaba at bay in the early stages before settling into a beautiful rhythm in front.
It was obvious turning for home that Hercock still had plenty of horse underneath her as Tavis Court found a good kick to put a three quarter length margin on Chajaba and held that to the line to bring up win number twelve for his career.
An emotional Clement was close to shedding tears as she described how loved her charge is around her Hawera base.
“He is just a marvel as we have had him since day dot and he is just part of the family,” Clement said.
“They are like my kids and he just loves racing.
“I’m privileged to have him for the Hills (owners) as they are just wonderful people and have done a lot for racing.
“We will see how he pulls up and will pick another race for him along the way.”
Hercock admitted she felt confident nearing the home bend as she had been afforded an unchallenged lead and her mount was travelling strongly.
“He jumped good, travelled beautifully throughout and got a cheap sectional from the 1000m to the 600m,” she said.
“I thought then they were going to have to chase me.
“He just loves his racing as he doesn’t know he is ten, he acts like a five year-old.”
Raced by his breeders Graham and Annette Hill, Tavis Court is from the Keeper mare Keep Her Free and has now won twelve of his 68 career starts, with a further 22 placings for prizemoney in excess of $346,000.
