Racing: Close Up victory

Grant Cooksley and Close Up. Photo / Trish Dunell

Shelley Hale's previous success with the family of Close Up was trumped at Hastings where the eight-year-old came off the ballot to triumph in yesterday's group one Tarzino Trophy.

The Cambridge horsewoman has enjoyed an outstanding run with the progeny of the Exploding Prospect mare Regelle, who has produced seven winners from eight foals to race.

"All the breed has been wonderful," an emotional Hale said. "Unfortunately, the mare died three months ago."

Regelle's offspring also includes Close Up's brother Thumbs Up, who was a Group Two winner and Group One performer in Hong Kong, while fellow siblings Seventh Up won Hale a group two Easter Stakes and Sum Up was also a Group placegetter. The trio are by Shinko King.

However, as a co-breeder, part-owner and trainer it is Saturday's victory that takes pride of place for Hale.

"This is just incredibly special," she said. "This little horse can't run in summer, his joints can't hack it, so we picked a path through winter into this. It's just magic."

Close Up sat in behind the leading pack before veteran rider Grant Cooksley drove him between runners in the straight to beat a gallant Aide Memoire by half a neck with Underthemoonlight charging late for third.

The favourite Kawi didn't help his cause by beginning tardily and he finished gamely on the fence for fourth while Gingernuts got home powerfully from the back to be next in.

- NZ Racing Desk.