An emotional Rex Lipp has dedicated the win of Tinto in the Magic Millions Trophy to the late Tim Bell.
Tinto, the $4.20 favourite, made it back-to-back wins in the $1 million Trophy (1800m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday when she beat Feltre ($61) by a half head.
Tinto
The margin could well have been closer with Feltre’s rider Ryan Wiggins fined $1000 for not riding his mount out the line.
Bell rode Tinto to a decisive victory in last year’s Trophy and also won his first Group One race aboard her in the 2014 Queensland Oaks.
He died in Singapore in November after falling from the balcony of an apartment building.
“I’m sure Tim was up there helping us home today and this one’s for him,” Lipp said.
“Tim always said she was a great little mare and his prediction has been proven correct.”
Tinto was ridden by Damian Browne who completed a winning double after guiding Buffering to victory in the Magic Millions Plate.
“I didn’t know if I had won and I think I got a bit of help from the big fella up above,” Browne said.”
“I thought Feltre was going to get us for sure but it was great to get the win for Tim.
“It will be good later to share a few moments with Tim’s family who are here today to watch this mare.”
Lipp will aim Tinto at the Group One Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill during the autumn carnival.
“You need a strong miler to win the Coolmore and she fits the bill,” he said.
Centre Pivot ($5) was an unlucky third after being held up behind tiring leader Longeron on the home turn.
“He had a nice run but didn’t have much luck at a vital stage,” jockey Blake Shinn said.
