Forever Yin atones in Temora Cup

A daring drive by noted Riverina reinsman Blake Jones proved to be the key factor in Forever Yin (Western Terror) leading all the way to take out this year’s Altora/New Earth Moving Temora Pacers Cup at the Temora paceway last night.

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Blake and Ellen Jones

Run over the testing 2386 metres, Jones took advantage of the pole draw to retain the lead on Forever Yin.

Although there were a few challenges in the run, Forever Yin was not seriously challenged. However just as the field turned into the back straight on the final occasion Jones allowed Forever Yin free rein and he put a space between himself and his rivals. The gap got bigger and at the finish Forever Yin had 25 metres to spare over Tick a Loch and Im Alrite.

The win made up for last year’s Temora Cup when Forever Yin finished third.

A daring drive by noted Riverina reinsman Blake Jones proved to be the key factor in Forever Yin (Western Terror) leading all the way to take out this year’s Altora/New Earth Moving Temora Pacers Cup at the Temora paceway last night.

Run over the testing 2386 metres, Jones took advantage of the pole draw to retain the lead on Forever Yin.

Although there were a few challenges in the run, Forever Yin was not seriously challenged. However just as the field turned into the back straight on the final occasion Jones allowed Forever Yin free rein and he put a space between himself and his rivals. The gap got bigger and at the finish Forever Yin had 25 metres to spare over Tick a Loch and Im Alrite.

The win made up for last year’s Temora Cup when Forever Yin finished third.

Temora Cup Presentation

Favourite Captains Catch was eased back at the rear by driver Blake Micallef but then ran into multiple dead ends in the final lap trying to weave his way through the tiring pack of runners in front of him. He was inconvenienced but under the circumstances his run is best forgotten.

Jones explained his winning tactics.

“He was travelling alright and I could see that the horses around me in the death and out wide were really under pressure as well as those behind me. So that was when I let him go. I thought if he could lead I would be a good chance. He’s only ever led from a mobile twice before in his career and never been beaten.”

“We’ve had him his whole life and he’s had his ups and downs. He’s had issues with his feet but he’s always worked well at home.”

FOREVER YIN 11 JAN REPLAY 

Forever Yin is raced by Janet Painting who bred the gelding and he was the only foal from the mare Aqua Luvvy.

Jones has been thinking of retiring Forever Yin but may consider the Junee Cup in a fortnight’s time.

“We’ll look at the Cup but he doesn’t handle the hill in the track too well although he’s an older horse now. We might still give it a crack.”

Jones currently has fifteen in work with his wife Ellen at Narrandera. He has hopes for the just turned four year old Play it Cool (Bettors Delight) who is still only a maiden but shows promise after a recent placing at Leeton.

The first records of the Temora Cup were in 1913 with Dolly Huon being the original winner. Over the years some truly good pacers have been successful including Scottish Fusilier (1965) Garry Rowan (1968), Harwood Brigade (1970) Big Achiever (1988 and 1989) Alfiedo (2005 and 2006) amongst others.

Secretary Louise Horan is very aware of the need to attract younger patrons to the sport and has worked tirelessly with a number of initiatives designed to bring people to the course.

In addition Louise is mindful that the club has five meetings per year and is looking to maintain that number of meetings notwithstanding the difficulties faced by country clubs around the country. Last year the Cup was run in winter due to organisational issues but now Louise hopes that its back to its traditional summer date.

“by Tony Milanese for Harnesslink”