A jockey’s least favourite morning announcement turned into a triumphant moment for Reece Jones, whose commitment to weight reduction for a pick-up ride saw Lighthouse Lass overcome a slow start to claim her second career win.
Jones, who had five rides scheduled at Rosehill, the lightest at 52.5kg, received a late request from trainer Will Freedman on Saturday morning. He was asked to ride Lighthouse Lass at 52kg after the first emergency gained entry into the Kia Ora Bloodlines to Headlines Handicap (1100m).
The jockey accepted the ride and immediately began shedding the necessary half-kilogram.
“It was a little bit late notice, but the advantages of being four-feet tall,” Jones quipped. “It definitely helps. I had to get the weight off this morning, and I’m glad I did now.”
Lighthouse Lass had not visited the winner’s circle since her Scone debut in January last year, but had placed in five of her eight starts since joining Richard and Will Freedman in February.
Will Freedman was pleased to see her finally achieve a win, noting she was due for a change in fortune.
“She’s had her fair share of bad luck,” Freedman said. “The one thing that really benefitted her today was missing the kick and having a bit of room to build into it. She’s not that tractable when things don’t go her way. They did go her way today, and she was always going to be strong late because she’s come back in distance.”
In other results, the Chris Waller-trained four-year-old Tarzing continued his good form, notching his third win from five starts in the Irresistible Pools and Spas Handicap (1400m). This was a notable success for Phil Gould, General Manager of Football for the Canterbury Bulldogs, and club Chairman Adam Driussi, who are part-owners of Tarzing, coming shortly after the Bulldogs’ victory over the Gold Coast Titans on Friday night.
Waller’s assistant trainer, Darren Beadman, indicated confidence in the four-year-old’s future prospects.
“He really hasn’t put a foot wrong. His form was good in Melbourne, and he came up here in good order,” Beadman said. “It was a nice win and he’s going through his grades nicely.”
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