Autridge in the winner’s circle
TOBY Autridge won with his lone runner at New Plymouth yesterday and will seek more success at the Whanganui meeting tomorrow.
The Matamata horseman saddled Irish Heartbeat to win an open handicap (1400m) at Pukekura Raceway. His jumper, Le Bon Fin, is starting in a restricted open hurdles race at Whanganui.
‘‘I’ve only got six or seven in work,’’ said Autridge, who trains Irish Heartbeat for Whakatane owner-breeders Danny and Meredith Deegan.
Irish Heartbeat, a 7-year-old mare, by Electronic Zone, was having her first start for nearly eight months.
A growth in her windpipe forced her out of training during the summer.
‘‘We turned her out instead of operating on it . . . and it [growth] went away,’’ Autridge said.
Irish Heartbeat had an infected larynx two years ago.
Autridge would like to campaign Irish Heartbeat at the three-day Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival, which starts next Saturday. He thought there was a suitable handicap race for Irish Heartbeat on the last day (October 1).
On Saturday, Irish Heartbeat won by three-quarters of a length from Antonio Lombardo, with the same margin to Gypsy Fair third. The 1400m was cut out in 1:18.37.
As the horseman turns his sights to the Whanganui meeting, he is mindful of Le Bon Fin falling in a hurdle race at the corresponding fixture 12 months ago.
The 9-year-old gelding ran fifth of 11 in an open hurdles contest at Te Aroha on July 24 at his last start.
‘‘He went a very good race there,’’ Autridge said.
Le Bon Fin has won four races on the flat and one over hurdles. He by won by 12 1/2 lengths in a maiden hurdles contest at Te Rapa in July last year.
Te Awamutu trainer Brendon Hawtin picked up a win and a fourth with his two runners at New Plymouth.
Dynamo won well in the hands of Hayden Tinsley in a rating 75 1400m. Stablemate Animator was fourth in a rating 65 1200m.
Two of Dynamo’s owners, Roger and Christine Hassall, of New Plymouth, were not on course as they were in Sydney for last night’s All Blacks-Australia game last night.