Tessamae delivers for Team Borcoskie at Addington

By Mike Love 

Canterbury junior driver Thomas Borcoskie scored a special win yesterday when combining with Tessamae in the Seahorse Supplements (Junior Drivers) Trot at Addington. 

It was his fourth career win but his first in the family colours, with Tessamae trained by uncle Brent Borcoskie, as well as the ownership being with his grandmother, who was on course, and late grandfather.

“It was extra special because it’s grandma’s horse, and grandad’s, who passed away last year," Borcoskie reflected. 

“It was my first time driving her on race day too.”

Patiently handled by Borcoskie, Tessamae settled back in the field, given time to get into a rhythm. Moving into the race from the 600 metres, Tessamae began a looping run from the 400 to get up and score right on the post, from a gallant in defeat, Buffy Northstains. 

“When she’s on she’s on. She can have a few steering difficulties at times. I was expecting a good run, because two starts back she flew home for fourth, but then got it wrong after 100 metres last start but still went a good race. So I thought she’d have a good each-way chance.” 

Borcoskie, who is a Year 13 student at St Bede’s College, now has four career wins, three of those coming this season, with several placings in just his second season of driving. 

“I work mainly out at Tom Bagrie’s, but I do give my dad, Paul, a hand too.”

“I’ll keep driving what I can get in the junior races, but will drive Archer for dad over the winter.”

Borcoskie intends to further his studies by attending Lincoln University from next year, while keeping his hand firmly on the reins. 

“I’ll continue doing stable work when I can, but also try to get a degree in Land and Property Management.” 

Other highlights from the programme saw Greg and Ben Hope score a double with the unbeaten Mossdale Frank and Franco Elvis, both driven by Ben. Sarah O’Reilly also drove a double with John Hay debutant Cee What I Cee, and Brent and Tim White-trained Molle Maeve Estelle, both heats of the Silk Road series.