A win by Vespasian at Bathurst on Saturday would be of special significance for Parkes apprentice Tiffany Jeffries.
The six-year-old gelding is trained by her mother Sharon Jeffries and owned by her and her father, retired champion four-time Sydney premiership-winning jockey Kevin Langby.
Vespasian tackles the Luke Bennett Plumbing Benchmark 58 Hcp (2000m).
Tiffany Jeffries stays in regular contact with her grandfather who rode a host of champions during his illustrious career including Australian icon Gunsynd.
“Tiffany rings Kevin just about every week asking for advice,” Jeffries’ father Dale said.
“Kevin’s the sort of bloke that never gives advice, only if you ask for it.
“Even with me, I value his advice. He still does the form and has a wealth of knowledge.
“As an owner he’s a gem. He doesn’t stick his nose in, happy to watch them go around, especially when Tiff’s aboard.
Riding the horse is special for 22-year-old Tiffany, Dale Jeffries said.
Langby was hopeful of being on hand to watch Vespasian race but is tending to his mother who has been ill recently.
Vespasian, got as a tried horse last year, won over 1600m at Mudgee two starts agon on October 22 when ridden by Kody Nestor.
Tiffany Jeffries was aboard the gelding when runner-up to To The Keeper over 1600m last start at Dubbo on November 1.
“The winner kicked on straightening but over the final stages Vespasian pulled a lot of ground off him to go under narrowly,” Dale Jeffries said.
“Another hop or two and he wins. He probably raced a bit dour.
“The extra distance tomorrow should suit him. That’s what we’re hoping anyway.
“He keeps grinding away to the line and we’ve been pleased with him since last start.
“He’s got a good barrier (one) and has been racing very consistently lately.”
AAP TURF
