Tuppence impresses in maiden win

By Mike Love 

Tuppence broke her maiden status at start number 30 in impressive style at Addington yesterday.

In the VIP Trade Mobile Pace, the five-year-old Terror To Love mare, trained by West Melton horseman Brian Fahey, sat parked for the trip, before making an assault on the lead at the 400.

Gemma Thornley kept Tuppence up to her mark, hitting the line with gears to spare, scoring by five and a half lengths at the line. 

“We are thrilled. She’d been overdue. She's been beaten by quite a few good maidens,” said Fahey of the mare.

Tuppence was bred by Fahey, and is raced by his wife, Mary, and two daughters, Cassie and Tessa. She had placed 10 times prior to yesterday’s victory.

“They’re very keen racing people. Cassie is currently in Abu Dhabi and watched the race from there.”

Tuppence is out of Holmes Hanover mare Florin, who Fahey trained for the majority of her career, winning four races with her, including at Addington. 

“She’ll keep racing through the winter. She doesn't need a lot of work.”

“She should handle the step up. She’s better kept for one run and can follow speed well.”

Tuppence is currently Fahey’s sole training project, while they are involved in the ownership of other racehorses. 

“Just doing the one at the moment. I used to do more, but as I get older I find doing one is enough.” 

Fahey has now trained 40 winners since first taking out a licence in 1989.

Other highlights on the card included a treble for trainer Bruce Negus (Mouton Cadet, Classie Linc, Quinn) and driving doubles to Riley Harrison (Waihemo Hannah, Silvester) and Samantha Ottley (Dawn To Dark, Always B Hayley).