Sunday was a memorable day for Ryan Foote at Te Rapa as the Cambridge horseman celebrated his first training victory with The Bambino.
Ryan had joined forces with his father Ben in a training partnership at the beginning of the season, and this achievement was a momentous one for him.
“I am pretty stoked. It is good to put the work in and get the rewards, especially on a day like today,” he expressed his joy.
“We have had a few seconds and been a bit unlucky, but I have been patient and the horses have been trying hard.”
The Bambino, who had prepared for his weekend assignment with a fifth-place finish on the Cambridge Synthetic track just days earlier, was not originally slated to compete at Te Rapa.
The Foote’s had initially intended to enjoy the day as sponsors of the Great Northern Steeplechase (6500m). However, a change of plans saw The Bambino making his hurdling debut at Te Rapa, a decision that paid off handsomely.
“He definitely needed the run on Wednesday; he blew a bit and pulled a bit throughout the race, so it was good to run him on Wednesday,” Foote explained.
“He was straight into his breakfast this (Sunday) morning, so I was fairly confident, as long as he could make it all over the jumps.
“He tries hard, and I am really proud of him. It was good to get his maiden hurdle, and hopefully, there is more to come.”
Jockey Emily Farr, who rode The Bambino to victory, showered praise on the horse and expressed her delight at being part of Ryan Foote’s first training win.
“He (The Bambino) has been finishing off his amateur races so well with Amber Riddell on,” she remarked.
“Footy said to me, ‘he has done a lot of jumping so don’t be afraid to give him a good squeeze in the first and then just put him in a position and ride him from there.’
“It was the first jumps race for him, and he has done it so impressively. He has got a bright future, and it was good to ride the first jumps winner for Ryan.”
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