Trainer praises smart ride from Cairns apprentice
As far as soft kills goes, they do no get any softer than sprinter District at Innisfail Turf Club on Sunday afternoon.
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As far as soft kills goes, they do no get any softer than the one experienced sprinter District enjoyed at Innisfail Turf Club on Sunday afternoon.
An impressive winner at Cairns Jockey Club late last month in a Benchmark 69 on a TAB day, the Ricky Ludwig sprinter dropped back to the country circuit and walked to the eighth victory of his career, by almost three lengths.
The six-year-old gelding had to fight hard at Cairns last month to finish over the top of Oriental Girl, who was racing in Brisbane not long ago, but on Sunday at Pease Park, the boisterous Tablelands trainer and his new horse had it all their way.
District was previously with prolific Mackay trainer John Manzelmann and is now loving life in FNQ, recording two wins and two other minor placings for “big Ricky”.
“I thought he would be too good for them and he was,” a smiling Ludwig said post-race.
“Our Alicia’s Lane, who District finished just behind two back, just keeps winning at Townsville, so the form is good.
“He is a sprinter, just likes the 1000m, we will make a decision soon if we back him up on Thursday or not again at Cairns.
“He could not have done it any easier today here, he is an honest little horse that is going better than ever.”
After picking up a winner on Saturday at Townsville, apprentice Krysten Swaffer produced a clever ride to get District the money.
On a deck rated a Heavy 20 by another jockey earlier in the day, Swaffer targeted the crown of the track and never looked like being run down in the Benchmark 65 Handicap (1000m). From gate 10, Swaffer took control of the race, pushing to the head of the field and found the best going in the straight to win well.
“I told Krysten to stay out, I am not saying it is any worse than the inside but she did well, she rode the horse well,” Ludwig said.
“But, the horse was always going to beat them.”
It was a triumphant return to racing on the Cassowary Coast, after the local club had lost almost a double-figure number of meetings over the past 24 months.
NQ trainers and officials were glad to see Innisfail back in action, with many believing it is one of the best tracks in the region.
Innisfail’s location also helps bring up more southern trainers to FNQ, with extras travelling from Mackay and Townsville, and everywhere in between, who are unlikely go the extra distance to Atherton.
“When I was riding, there was no doubt it was the top track in the north,” Cairns trainer Rodney Miller said.
“It has been an excellent track for years.”
Meanwhile, the first event was delayed as Fure, trained by George Tsakissiris, played up on the way to the barriers and tipped off hoop Emily Cass.
Cass bounced up soon after and walked away without serious injury.
She completed the rest of her rides.
Originally published as Trainer praises smart ride from Cairns apprentice
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