Trainer Mick Kent will turn his attention to rich Sydney races with Epingle after the mare became the first horse in a decade to claim the Hobart and Launceston Cup double.
Epingle was sent out the $2 favourite in Wednesday’s $225,000 Launceston Cup (2400m) on the back of her three-length Hobart Cup win and she proved superior again.
The victory earned her trainer and owner an extra $50,000 each as a bonus offered to any horse who could claim the double.
Zacielo in 2004 was the last horse to complete the double.
Craig Williams rode Epingle like the best horse in the race, settling one off the fence at the tail of the field from a wide gate before setting the mare alight from the 600m.
She hit the front at the top of the straight and held her advantage to defeat the Mark Riley-trained Gold To Go by three-quarters of a length.
Tasmanian star and defending champion Geegees Blackflash would have passed $1 million in prizemoney if successful on Wednesday but was game in defeat, finishing third.
Kent said the Group One Sydney Cup (3200m) was on the agenda for Epingle and The BMW (2400m) was also a possibility.
“I kept saying to the owner there is going to be a good race in her one day. She’s a good mare,” Kent said.
“I said if we take our time with her I’m sure she’ll repay you. It’s just been great and she’s thrived here. It’s been a worthwhile trip.”
Epingle has only raced three times over 2400m for wins at Hobart and Launceston and a second to Sertorius in last year’s Group Two Zipping Classic.
Williams had not ridden at Launceston since 1996 but made the trip count, riding Epingle patiently before backing her class to carry them to victory.
“I just had to trust the mare and she delivered again today,” Williams said.
