Tough Tilly back in winning form

Multiple Group One winning mare Tough Tilly (Captaintreacherous) returned to the harness racing winner’s stall for the first time this year at Melton when she led all the way in the VHRMA Graham Goffin Memorial at Melton tonight.

Second up after finishing mid field at Melton a month ago, Tough Tilly was sent out a $1.55 favorite and never gave her punters cause for concern dashing home her last 400 metres in a slick 25.8 seconds in a mile rate of 1:55 for the 1720 metre journey.

She's too tough! 💥💪

Emma Stewart trained Tough Tilly leads the way in the VHRMA Graham Goffin Memorial paired with driver Mark Pitt. This brings her career earnings to over $600,000. pic.twitter.com/4xsdBkEkre

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) August 26, 2023

Driver Mark Pitt said the daughter of Captaintreacherous won with something in reserve.

“She certainly had something left in the tank, it was a perfect little hit out for her and once she found the front there was no pressure in the race,  so it was her race to lose,” Pitt said.

“Once she could back off and then run home in 25.8 there was no hope of anything beating her,” he said.

Pitt has only taken the reins behind Tough Tilly of recent times.

“It’s a big thrill for me to be able to drive a mare like this, I’ve only had three drives on her now so I’m hoping that I can stay on this one, she’s such a great mare and she has shown that throughout her career,” he said.

Tough Tilly has enjoyed a high profile throughout her career as the flagship for raising both funds and awareness for the EB Research Partnership Australia.

Tough Tilly’s win took her lifetime stake earnings to more than $600,000 for her owners Benstud Standardbreds and CURE EB.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink