HOME TRACK DOUBLE CAPS OFF SPECIAL DAY FOR HOLLY WILLIAMS RACING

Holly Williams Racing enjoyed a memorable afternoon on home soil at Tamworth on Sunday, producing a winning double after a meeting originally scheduled for Gunnedah was transferred due to unsuitable track conditions.

The change of venue proved a welcome one for the Tamworth-based stable, with the home track producing two victories and plenty of reasons for the Williams team to celebrate.

The day got off to the perfect start when Gay Tarantella kicked proceedings off in style, producing a dominant on-speed performance to secure an important victory.

Ridden to perfection by Jake Pracey-Holmes, Gay Tarantella travelled beautifully in the run and showed plenty of determination when it mattered most. Still very much a work in progress, the talented galloper is learning her craft and remains quite green when asked to put the race away in the straight.

But Pracey-Holmes never allowed her to switch off, keeping her focused all the way to the line as she continued to find plenty under pressure to hold out Little Duke in a determined finish.

There was an added sense of occasion for the Williams team with owner and breeder Cheryl Grouse on track to witness the victory.

“It’s always incredibly special to have the people who bred and own these horses there to share the moment,” Williams said, with Cheryl able to celebrate an important win for a horse she has been so closely involved with from the beginning.

If Gay Tarantella provided the perfect start, Rivaldo made sure the day finished in equally impressive fashion.

The consistent galloper returned to the winner’s circle once again, this time with promising apprentice Juliet Partridge taking the reins.

Jumping from barrier six, Partridge produced a terrific piece of race riding, finding the box seat and giving Rivaldo the economical run he needed.

When the question was asked in the straight, Rivaldo had simply too much for his rivals, powering away to secure another victory for the stable.

For Partridge, it was a ride that showcased exactly why she is one of the young riders to watch, earning a tongue-in-cheek 15/10 from the Williams camp for a ride full of composure and initiative.

Rivaldo is raced in partnership with the Reid and Gibbons families, close friends of the stable who have shared plenty of memorable moments with Holly Williams Racing.

“It’s always special sharing winners with great friends,” Williams said. “We are incredibly grateful for their support and love being able to celebrate these moments together.”

Two winners, two very different performances and a home-track double made for a Sunday to remember for Holly Williams Racing.

With Gay Tarantella still learning her craft and Rivaldo continuing to build an impressive record, the Tamworth stable has plenty to look forward to as the season unfolds.

Written By: HNW Racing News
Photo By: Bradley Photos