MOUNT Isa jockey Tasha Chambers battled through injury to ride Jay Morris-trained Cheers Browe to victory in the Class 6 Plate (1200m).
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The New Zealand –bred galloper outclassed the field from the widest barrier to take the $7000 race by a length and a half, beating Denise Ballard-trained Brunner, and Patrick Inwood-trained Mimi’s Rocket.
The grey bay gelding was sent out as clear favourite at $1.80 before Chambers assisted the five-year-old to another second-up victory.
Chambers, who has won on Cheers Browe before, said there was an injury cloud over her all week due to suffering an injury at Julia Creek’s Dirt n Dust Festival races.
“I thought I might’ve torn my groin but I just strained it really badly,” Chambers said.
“I haven’t done track work all week until Friday. I just had to ice it and I’ve also strapped it up as well.”
Chambers, who is hoping to race at the Mount Isa Cup in June, was impressed with the condition of her race winner.
“He’s really fit. He’s probably the best he’s been this year. I also rode him in Townsville last year, but he was unlucky.”
The opening race of the meeting was the 1200 metre Maiden Plate where Julia Creek trainer Tanya Parry grabbed the top four places including winner Iles Of Teo ($5.50), ridden by jockey of the day Aaron Spradau, followed by Ollie Ooba ($2.00) and Red ‘N’ Yarra ($26.00).
Race 3 favourite Rapid ($2.00) held up to its price to win for Mount Isa trainer Wayne Crossland in the Class 2 Handicap (1200m) by more than two lengths, beating Serene Rocket ($5.00) and Menelaion ($5.00).
George Tipping-trained Observer ($6.00), ridden by Spradau, claimed the Open Handicap (1000m) by a nose to Patrick Inwood-trained and race favourite Fortza ($2.70) followed by Pismo Beach ($4.60).
The last race of the meet in the Class 1 Handicap (1100m) was won by Robert Burow-trained I’m Desperate Too ($2.30), who blew the field away by nearly four lengths to Chateau D’Or ($4.40).