Having spent the last three decades trying to win another Redwood Classic, veteran horseman Chris Angove is quietly confident this could be his year.
Angove captured the Maryborough-based event with Lacey Truscott when she upstaged the ‘boys’ in 1997.
Despite numerous attempts during the subsequent years, Angove has been unable to replicate the moment.
“I’ve had a few goes at the Redwood since Lacey won it, but haven’t had any luck,” Angove said. “It is a race I would like to win again.”
Enter promising freshman Regal Gala, which issued a warning to prospective Redwood opponents with his victory under similar conditions at the provincial venue today.
Kept fresh since his Tatlow Stake success in Melton on September 26, Regal Gala completed a soft win in the Mick Clover Redwood Prelude Trot today.
With James Herbertson holding the reins, Regal Gala was beaten for speed from the pole as Zippin Past led from three.
Quickly angled away from the pegs to find the front, Regal Gala was then crossed by Aldebaran Emjay before once again being sent forward to reclaim the lead.
Maintaining that position for the balance of the 2190-metre trip, the son of Pastor Stephen cruised to an eight-metre win from Insulator, with Kyvalley Dixon a half-neck away third.
The victory carried extra significance for Herbertson, whose late grandfather, Mick Clover, was honoured through the inaugural running of the race. Herbertson saluted on the line in a fitting tribute to his beloved grandfather, a much-loved member of the Maryborough harness racing community.
“That was a very nice run from him,” Angove said. “He has been stepping well and the first time he would’ve led by 20 metres, but the tape got caught around his leg and caused a false start.
“I thought that was a bit of a bugger, but it worked out well in the end.
“He is a handy type which is getting better as the year goes on, but it is his manners which are his best quality.
“He’s such a good natured horse which takes everything in his stride, which should serve him well in the Redwood, which will be his next start on November 1.”
Enjoying another strong season with his boutique stable, Angove’s latest win follows him reaching a personal milestone in Melton a few weeks ago.
Regal Gala’s Tatlow triumph doubled as Angove’s 200th training win since records went digital.
“It’s a nice occasion to note, but in reality, I’ve had quite a few more,” Angove said. “I go back to the 1970s, so records are off a bit.
“Brad also recently got his 50th win, which is pretty good.”
