Tan Tat Trusting’s Cup success
Trainer Tony McEvoy’s stable jockey Barend Vorster “lifted” Tan Tat Trusting to a photo-finish win in the Bet365 Swan Hill Cup (1600m) on Sunday, June 9.
A $6 chance, Tan Tat Trusting was headed close to home but fought back to score a head win from Guizot ($9) with Curragh ($10), a half-length away third.
It capped a huge 24 hours for Vorster who rode Vinland to victory in Brisbane just over 24 hours earlier, then had to make his way to Swan Hill in western Victoria.
As he did at Eagle Farm, Vorster managed to ride a winner on his first day at a new racetrack.
Tan Tat Trusting covered ground in the Cup before taking the lead about 200 metres from the finish.
The runner-up loomed to challenge and took a narrow lead, but Vorster refused to concede and urged his mount to victory.
McEvoy’s Victorian stable foreman Michael Shepherdson said it had been a great ride by Vorster.
“Barend was caught wide but got the horse into a good rhythm,” Shepherdson said.
“In the straight he had plenty to offer, was really tenacious, got headed and fought back to win.
“He grows a leg on wet ground and the way the track has been playing today for him to slide across without getting too far back was going to be beneficial.
“His recent form has been very consistent, the addition of a tongue tie and blinkers he has really worked it out.”
Winning jockey Barend Vorster said he loved riding at country meetings.
“It doesn’t matter where in the world, at the end of the day, at tracks like this where the passion for racing is so big you really enjoy it,” Vorster said.
“Tony brought the horse here in perfect condition, he gave me a beautiful ride and fought on over the last little bit.
“I was quite happy with the wide gate because looking at this track they weren’t making up much ground.
“Tony reminded before the race about being handy, but he began so well I was able to put him up there. Through the 800 I let him use his action and get into motion.
“The other horse joined him, and I thought he had me, but my horse dug deep, and he won the race.
“Congratulations to the owners, Mr Tung and his family, and the team, well done.”