Uptown Beachgirl lifting owners in tough times

When Uptown Beachgirl (A Rocknroll Dance) departed from the stables of part-owner Jason Gaffney midway through last year, the Forbes harness racing trainer-driver never imagined that his then three-year-old filly would be contesting a Group 1 feature as one of the favourites 18 months on.

But under the care of Redcliffe trainer Donny Smith, the daughter of A Rocknroll Dance has gone to another level and is now regarded as one of the best mares in Australia following some stellar performances since racing in the Sunshine State.

Uptown Beachgirl’s all-the-way win in last Saturday’s listed Fleur De Lil Stakes, defeating a star-studded line up was one of her most impressive victories, pleasing Gaffney and co-owners Mark, Greg and Baily Hartwig.

The mare has provided the quartet with a great deal of pleasure, especially after their town of Forbes was devastated by the floods which wreaked havoc through the central west late last year.

“She has been great to us and has really brought us some joy in what has been a tough few months at home,” said Gaffney.

“We lost nearly everything at home and at our stables when the floods hit and having this girl race so well in Queensland gave all our crew something to look forward too.

“It is unreal how she has gone to another level.

“We sent her up to Donny Smith, knowing that she had plenty of ability.

“I felt that the fast tempo style of racing in Queensland would suit her and she and could win us a few races up there, but we never dreamt that she would end up as a Group racing performer.”

Gaffney and his ownership group have experienced an unbelievable run of success with their horses in recent times and even though Gaffney is handy trainer in his own right, they do not hesitate to send their pacers where they can be better placed to win races, with trainers like Donny Smith, Nathan Turnbull at Bathurst, David Moran and Lisa Pitt in Victoria, decisions that are certainly paying off for them.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW