Girl of My Dreams
photo- Trish Dunell
Pukekohe trainer Nigel Tiley is hoping his luck is about to change for the better after Saturday's Boxing Day meeting at Ellerslie nearly ended in tragedy.
Tiley was expecting a good run from his exciting three-year-old The Justice League in the 4th race on the programme but had to watch on in horror as the colt clipped heels after 400 metres and went sprawling under the running rail with his rider, and Tiley's wife Lee, going down with him.
Thankfully both bounced to their feet after the event with no major injuries sustained by either party.
"They are both a little banged up today but it's just bruising and the like which is a real relief," said Tiley on Sunday morning.
"Lee was a little bit dazed but she got up this morning and went for a walk and then headed to the stables so she is fine. They both have a few grass burns on them as they skidded a fair way but if that's the only issue then we are very lucky indeed."
Tiley will be looking to turn around his fortunes with a team spearheaded by progressive mare Girl Of My Dreams entered for the middle day of the three-day Ellerslie Christmas carnival on Monday. The five-year-old mare will tackle the rating 85 Weekend Herald 1600 off the back of a gritty run for third at her last start at Te Rapa.
"She went a beauty at Te Rapa and stuck on really well behind a couple of promising horses," noted Tiley.
"This will be her fourth start in this preparation and she is pretty well at full fitness so I'm expecting a good run. She has a few things in her favour with a nice weight and good draw so she should be thereabouts I would think."
Tiley has scratched two-year-old Theonlyway due to a wide barrier draw but will also produce progressive intermediate galloper Sucker Punch along with maiden Lupelani and expects good showings from them both. - NZ Racing Desk
Tiley was expecting a good run from his exciting three-year-old The Justice League in the 4th race on the programme but had to watch on in horror as the colt clipped heels after 400 metres and went sprawling under the running rail with his rider, and Tiley's wife Lee, going down with him.
Thankfully both bounced to their feet after the event with no major injuries sustained by either party.
"They are both a little banged up today but it's just bruising and the like which is a real relief," said Tiley on Sunday morning.
"Lee was a little bit dazed but she got up this morning and went for a walk and then headed to the stables so she is fine. They both have a few grass burns on them as they skidded a fair way but if that's the only issue then we are very lucky indeed."
Tiley will be looking to turn around his fortunes with a team spearheaded by progressive mare Girl Of My Dreams entered for the middle day of the three-day Ellerslie Christmas carnival on Monday. The five-year-old mare will tackle the rating 85 Weekend Herald 1600 off the back of a gritty run for third at her last start at Te Rapa.
"She went a beauty at Te Rapa and stuck on really well behind a couple of promising horses," noted Tiley.
"This will be her fourth start in this preparation and she is pretty well at full fitness so I'm expecting a good run. She has a few things in her favour with a nice weight and good draw so she should be thereabouts I would think."
Tiley has scratched two-year-old Theonlyway due to a wide barrier draw but will also produce progressive intermediate galloper Sucker Punch along with maiden Lupelani and expects good showings from them both. - NZ Racing Desk