Racing: First win in decade

Lee Tiley rode a superb race. Photo / File

Nearly a decade away from race riding has not dulled two of Lee Tiley's talents - her riding ability and her sense of humour.

Tiley's Friday quote to Herald racing was a classic. Asked what her last ride was 9 years ago she said she couldn't remember.

"But I'm a jockey again, I'm allowed to go back to being dumb."

She was at it again after winning at her only ride at Avondale on Saturday - Sono Veloce in the last race.

Asked what the atmosphere was like in the jockeys' room after such an absence she said: "The faces were certainly a lot younger than they were when I was riding previously.

"One familiar face was Alysha Collett [second in the previous two races on Dragonkeeper and Ventura]. Alysha was at my 21st birthday party, then I remembered she was in a cot - she'd just been born."

Lee Tiley rode a superb race, trailing the leading bunch to the turn and angling into the right gap. After allowing Sono Veloce to balance up she booted the horse out to grab a win in the last stride, her massive fitness, which has always been a strength, playing a huge part.

"I'm not sure I want to make a real comeback, but I'll be happy to help out at times," said Tiley. On Saturday's ride that might be quite often.

Shaune Ritchie was happy to back Promises up at Avondale after finishing second at Matamata mid-week and it proved to be a big decision.

Promises came from last, looped the field and proved far too strong under Rogan Norvall.

"They walked at Matamata and, basically, just sprinted up the home straight, so it wasn't a hard race for her. The back-up was always going to be okay for her."