Foxton rider back to her winning ways
New employer was glad to see Temyia hadn’t lost touch
Foxton apprentice jockey Temyia Taiaroa made a successful return to raceday riding earlier this month after a six-month break. With three rides at the Whanganui meeting Taiaroa finished second on Martina Diva and Tamahine early on in the card before winning the last race of the day on Way Above, trained by Kevin Myers at that venue.
Temyia’s employer Gail Temperton said: “It was a great come back to race day riding for Temyia. She was given a good opportunity to ride Kevin Myers’ horse Way Above and did really great.
“She also did a great job finishing second on both her other rides. Tamahine was really only trial material as it is not her favourite distance, and Temyia rode her exceedingly well.
“I think riding the mare every morning during track work was a huge plus for her. Tamahine can be a cantankerous wee mare.
“It was a good start for Temyia, and let’s hope that we can continue to get good rides and she can continue along the same path. Temyia has got a lot of support, is very keen, refreshed and ready to go,” she said.
Taiaroa said: “It feels really good to be back, I wasn’t out there to do really much, it was about getting back out there and getting back into race day mode.
“It was good to be back riding after being away from race day riding during my stand-down, however during that period I was still riding track work on a daily basis at Foxton.
“Analysing my rides, the Martina Diva ride came about due to the fact that my koro Arnie Taiaroa has a share in this horse, and when we got to the hundred metre mark I was hoping to nip it on the line and win one for Granddad.
“However, 2nd is better than nothing and she surprised everyone and went better than expected. This was a confidence boost for my remaining rides on the programme.
“Tamahine is trained by my current employer Gail Temperton, and I rode her early in the week. Once she left the barrier she settled really well and we’re preparing her for a mile next week.
“This was always going to be a comeback ride for me.
“For my winning ride I received a call from trainer Kevin Myers on the day that nominations for this race meeting were finalised. Kevin is strong supporter of apprentice riders.
“When I was with Sandie Cookson
and apprenticed to her, he always gave me as many trial rides as possible and jump out rides as well.
“For sentimental reasons, I like wearing his stable colours, for it was aboard his stable runner Duffers Creek that I had my first win.
“I will try and get as many winners possible for him.
“In saying this I thank him wholeheartedly for all the support he has given me and to all the trainers for all their help and advice thus far as well.”