Cedric Seymour justifies his short quote

After plenty of time and perseverance, five-year-old Sunshine Beach gelding Cedric Seymour broke his maiden harness racing status in the North Launceston Bowls Club Pace in Launceston on Friday night.

The pacer started in June 2020 and again in November of that year, before a long break that didn’t see him return to the track until 2 July, when stepping out for the first time in the Tammy Langley stable.

“It’s been a big effort for everyone involved to get him back after two years off,” said Tammy’s son and driver, Dylan Ford.

“We had him ready to race two years ago, and he did a suspensory the week he was going to be nominated,” Ford explained.

Ending up one out and two back in the 2200m event, Ford progressed the $1.30 favourite into the race from the 500m, where he was able to run down the race leader, The Mighty Doc ($9), over the final 100m.

Although starting at a short quote and with two impressive runs this preparation, the driver isn’t getting too carried away.

“He only won a maiden, so I don’t want to get too excited. Two years ago, he felt like a nice horse and still does at home. He is still very green,” said Ford.

The pacer was heading to another trainer for this preparation, but his manners of getting on the horse float prevented that, with Ford crediting the efforts of those who helped the horse overcome his issues.

The Ford and Langley combination ended the night with a double after Our Ruby Rose won the Clubs Tasmania Challenge Stakes.

The win was the six-year-old mares’ sixth of the season, being able to lead before taking cover at the mile, and weaving a passage into the clear when leaving the back straight to score by 3.5m as a $14 hope.

“She shouldn’t have been those odds after her run the week before.

“Every time she has settled close, she has either won or gone really well, so every time she lobs handy, she will be competitive,” said the driver.

Michael Laugher and Rohan Hillier teamed up for a double with the wins of Christian Jaz and Killarney Dance.

Jacob Duggan is one win away from out-driving his five-point concession claim winning aboard Five Star Shark and Sharmey, with the latter being the first leg of a training double for Ben Yole, with Vigoroso being his other winner.

The win of Sabalenka Leis saw Longford trainer Todd Rattray record his 400th training win, and he was also in the sulky for the milestone victory.

For complete race results, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing