Rose Rampage in MM Country Cup Qualy

The first time Rockhampton trainer Jamie McConachy and crack mare Cherry Rose ventured to Cluden Park, he left a shattered man.

The bold front running galloper looked home in the coveted Cleveland Bay Hcp but was cut down in the final few strides by Speed Legend.

McConachy and Cherry Rose returned to Townsville for Sunday’s $35,000 Magic Millions Country Cup Qualifier but this time left dominant victors.

On a Soft 7 track, which favoured leaders on superior inside ground, Cherry Rose powered her way to an all-the-way win over Georgie Holt trained pair Sweet Kisses and Tambo’s Justice who missed the start.

McConachy said he’d love to come back to Cluden to have another crack at the Cleveland Bay after this year’s agonising defeat.

“It was very hard to walk off the race course that day. A good horse beat her too,” McConachy said.

“She’s come back well. She’s just had a few little niggling issues but she showed what she can do and she wasn’t fully tested.

“It’s a credit to the track curator how well the track played today and the times were sensational.

“I don’t think we’ll go to the Gold Coast with her. We want to concentrate on a few of the bigger races up here for next year.

“And we’re really still looking to try and win a Listed fillies and mares race with her for her breeding.

“There’s a lot of good options for her because she’s a very good horse.

“We’ll probably spell her now over the hotter months in Toowoomba in the cool. She’ll only be there for four or five weeks and then we’ll kick off again.”

Rookie Rockhampton trainer Alisha Taylor continued her impressive start to her new career with a stunning winning double with smart Filly Evareadymiss and the tough Rideau.

Evareadymiss made it twin wins from as many starts with a narrow victory with Emila Lang in the saddle in the Great Northern Brewing Co. QTIS 3YO Hcp (1000m).

The Better Than Ready youngster just edged out Old Gold, trained by Taylor’s brother Clinton whom she works for as a work rider.

“A bit of friendly rivalry with Clinton. I’ve got him twice now and both times with this filly. He might sack me now. I might not have a job,” she said.

“This filly has always shown us something, I haven’t had her for long. She came to me from Shane Sigvart when he retired.

“Both of those wins were in races that were very strong, so she’s done a great job and with a touch of class both times.”

Taylor was back in the winner’s circle when Rideau staged a remarkable effort to overcome a low start and wide run with 63.5kg to claim the BM55 Hcp (1200m) for apprentice Leah Martyn.

It was 33-year-old Taylor’s second winning double since taking up training in September after her husband Jared announced he was taking a break from the industry. 

“It’s my first time up here so it’s a nice result. I’m enjoying the training. It wasn’t something I had plans to do originally,” Taylor said.

“I thought we were out of it when Jared decided to give it up.

“Clinton grabbed me pretty quick to ride to work and when we got a couple of horses he said why don’t go out on your own.

“I’ve got 10 at work now. It’s grown very quickly.

“I’d like to keep my team small so I can do things my own way. With my little girl and show horses I want to try and keep my interests outside as well.”

Taylor was stunned after Rideau staged a huge effort to recover from a slow start and a tough run to score.

“I shook my head and thought we’re in trouble after he missed the start. But with the big weight Leah did the right thing and just had to keep going,” Taylor said.

“It wasn’t until the last 100m that I got out of my seat and started to cheer because he’s tough and he won’t lie down.”

“The drive home tonight will be a bit easier. I’ve got to get back to gallop some horses tomorrow.”

Leading Townsville trainer Georgie Holt also landed a winning double with Valubious in the Cowboys Leagues Club QTIS 3YO Mdn Hcp (1300m) and Garinion Righ in the Ladbrokes C4 Hcp (1609m).