Winning his first stakes race aboard Tuscan Sling in the Christmas Stakes was a big thrill for apprentice Harry Coffey.
And just 40 minutes later the 20-year-old’s day got so much better when he guided quality stayer Signoff to a fast-finishing first-up win in the Lord Stakes (1700m) to make it a Listed race double on Boxing Day at Caulfield.
Tuscan Sling
Coffey suffers from cystic fibrosis but it hasn’t stopped him from forging a successful career in the saddle as an apprentice.
The feature race double has moved him closer to another significant milestone as he needs just six more city wins to achieve the feat before the end of February.
The Darren Weir-trained Tuscan Sling ($6.50) prevailed in a driving finish with favourite Reldas in the Christmas Stakes (1200m), winning by a short-half head with Sirbible 1-3/4 lengths away third.
“I’ve had a few goes at it now, trying to get a black-type winner but hadn’t been able to do it and it was starting to frustrate me,” Coffey said.
“But on the right horse today, she had the right run and she was too good.
“It’s great to do it for Darren who is such a loyal supporter of mine.”
Two to three times a year Coffey has to go into hospital for what he has described as a “tune up”, which keeps him out of the saddle for two weeks at a time.
Seeing Coffey land have his first success at stakes level was also a thrill for Melbourne Cup winning-trainer Weir who has had a long association with the Coffey family.
“The Coffey family in general have been good to me so it’s good to be able to repay them,” Weir said.
“It’s a real credit to Harry to get his first black type winner.
“He doesn’t let the battles get in the road of his career. When he needs to stop he stops and then he’s obviously got to get back in form again.
“But he’s been in form for a while now and he’s a rider that’s really progressed in the last 12 months.”
Signoff ($31), the 2014 Melbourne Cup fourth placegetter, had been off the scene with a tendon injury since his last start in April but made a stunning return, powering home out wide under Coffey to beat new stablemate Lidari by a neck.
“It’s been a really good day all round,” Coffey said after Signoff’s win.
“He’s a ripper. What a privilege to ride a horse like him.
“When I rode Signoff in a jump-out it was a big enough thrill, but to win on him on race day is even better.”
