Bold move pays off well for Isobel

Five years ago former Queenslander Isobel Ross decided it was time for a change, so she seized the opportunity to take up a position with the strong Amanda Turnbull harness racing stable at The Lagoon on Bathurst’s outskirts.

The talented reinswoman knew fully well that she was placing herself amongst stiff opposition with the Bathurst region littered with a raft of capable drivers, but that never phased her.

And after falling in love with the lifestyle, Ross found here happy place, cementing an unbreakable bond with the Turnbull family.

On Wednesday night, Ross celebrated the highlight of her short career when the 25-year-old took out the $100,000 TAB Regional Championship Western Final aboard Iam The Captain (Captaintreacherous).

Trained by Turnbull and owned by her mother Jenny, the son of Captaintreacherous appeared to win the listed feature with consummate ease, scoring by four metres and defeating stablemate Alta Billy.

The Chris Frisby-trained He Aint Fakin made it an all-Bathurst affair by winding up in third placing, beaten five metres.

“I cannot explain how it felt when I realised we were home approaching the line,” said Ross.

“It was a mixture of satisfaction and excitement.

“Amanda has done such a good job with this guy and the fact that Jenny owns him just made it extra special.

“We all work in together as a team out at The Lagoon and it makes the job at hand all that more enjoyable. I certainly feel like I am part of the family.”

Ross will retain the drive on Iam The Captain for Saturday night’s TAB Championship State final at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

Also carrying $100,000 in stakes, the State final brings together the top three placegetters from each regional features.

However, Turnbull’s pair did not fare all that well in the barrier draw with Iam The Captain scoring gate seven and Alta Billy on the second tier.

With abundant speed drawn to her inside, things could play into Ross’ hands given that her charge can produce a booming finish and the Menangle track plays favourably for sweepers over the longer 2300 metre trip.

“We will go out there and do our best with the cards that we have been dealt,” said Ross.

“But regardless, I am so grateful that I have been able to retain the drive in the final which is exciting to be a part of.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW