Toowoomba trainer Matt Kropp’s trip across the Tasman in search of a young staying type horse has paid off with Trusty Lad at Doomben.
In a thrilling finish to a five-horse race on Saturday, Trusty Lad ($13) beat Red Stina ($2.50) by a nose with a short head to Tatcee ($4) in the The Mission Three-Year-Old Handicap (1630m).
Kropp went to the New Zealand sales last year and was taken by Trusty Lad who is a son of Group One winner Reliable Man out of Anabaa mare Miss Juventus.
“We got him at the second lot of the Karaka Sales and it looks like being a good buy. He is obviously still learning but he shows potential and we are looking forward to him getting out over more ground,” Kropp said.
Jockey James Orman continued his good recent form with a well timed run to get Trusty Lad home in the last stride.
“I reckon he might be even a bit better with the ear muffs off. It was a strong effort today,” Orman said.
Fellow rider Matt McGillivray was shaking his head after the result went up.
“How did we get beaten. I had a lovely run and I though she would win for sure at the 200 metres,” he said.
