Stars align as Alchin hits a high note

The stars aligned for renowned horse breaker Rickie Alchin at harness racing’s Bathurst track tonight.

Usually taking a backseat in recent years when it comes to driving in races, Alchin took both reins in his own hands, literally, and it paid off in spades, training and driving a Group 1 double.

Alchin won the $100,000 Gold Bracelet Final with Soho Rhapsody and an hour-and-a-half later won the $110,000 Gold Crown Final with Tardelli.

“It’s unbelievable . . . it’s surreal to train and drive them,” said Alchin.

“I usually sit back and watch but the stars aligned for me tonight.”

Still on a high after winning with Soho Rhapsody, Alchin drove a confident race to win with his Huntsville colt Tardelli.

Alchin utilised Tardelli’s barrier four draw and found the top early.

Following a 27.9 first quarter, Alchin controlled the tempo with the following quarters run in 30, 28.4 and 28.4 seconds, putting the favourite Petracca out of the race as he was settled back in the field.

The mile rate was 1:54.2 and Naturally Gifted was more than five metres away in second with Petracca flashing home for third.

“He’s just a lovely animal,” Alchin said of Tardelli.

“My horse was travelling really well and I was out there to run my own race.

“I got the plugs out really early and he travelled well after that.”

Tardelli was bred and raced by Alf La Spina and family out of their Art Major mare Lady Savoia.

Alf’s son is world-class tenor Rosario La Spina who could not make it to the track tonight.

“Rosario is singing in an opera in Adelaide tonight so I’m sure he will be singing plenty of tunes there,” Alchin said.

“You wouldn’t find any more passionate owners than the La Spina family and this is a great win for them.”

To view the results from Bathurst on Friday click here.

By Amanda Rando for Harnesslink