Holts Seize the Moment to Chase Dream in Cup

Just securing a start in the Townsville Cup with moody galloper Live The Moment is a big thrill for young local trainer Georgie Holt.

But she can’t help but dream of going all the way and winning the big race with a horse she hopes will finally realise his full potential.

Holt and her husband Aidan took a step closer to winning their home town Cup when Live The Moment clinched a guaranteed Cup run with a dominant win at Cluden Park last week with Chris Whiteley in the saddle.

It was a must win for the gelding to make the Cup, and the Holts are only too aware that timing is everything in racing.

They will also have their top sprinter Langhro running in the Cleveland Bay Hcp.

”It’s a really big thing for us. We’re from up here and it’s a big thrill just to be in it,” Georgie Holt said.

“We’ve only been going four years and we’re equal third on the premiership and have runners in the two biggest races of the year. We’re pretty happy with how things are going.

“Getting the run in the Cup with Live The Moment is obviously terrific for the stable and his owner Peter Malpass.

“He was bought as a Cup horse, but he’s been a little bit of a ‘Gunna’. 

“In saying that he’s come back a lot stronger this time in after a spell and his three runs this prep have all been good.

“We took him to Mackay last start to get his rating up for the Cup, but things didn’t work out and he ran third.

“His last hope was winning here and Chris gave him a good run and he won very well.

“He’s untested at 2000m but he gives every indication he can run it as long as he doesn’t overdo it.

“Chris (Whiteley) said he’d get it after winning on him, but you don’t really know until you try them.

“It’s a big boost for us that Chris has committed to riding him in the Cup. ”

Holt said now that he’s booked a definite berth in the Cup, Live The Moment will go into the big race without another run.

Holt is also pleased with the way Langhro is progressing for the Cleveland Bay Hcp after two runs back from a spell.

Last year’s Cleveland Bay Hcp was luckless in the Rockhampton Newmarket, missing the start hopelessly and then running on to finish mid-field.

Langhro finished second in a barrier trial last Friday, to keep him ticking over for the Cleveland Bay Hcp on Saturday week.

Pictured: Leading jockey Chris Whiteley guides Live The Moment to a big win last week and a guaranteed start in the Townsville Cup.

See the racing calendar for upcoming race days.