SWAN Hill’s Harry Coffey hit the star-studded three-day Warrnambool Cup Carnival this week and on day one landed the heavily backed Vivideel for the McEvoy stables.
Then he promptly announced he was taking day two off – to go to a birthday party, albeit a special one.
His son Thomas turned one on Wednesday and the proud father was joining wife Tayla and family to make their baby’s first birthday a memorable one.
That said, his first celebration of the three-day event was almost a party pooper because even though he dominated the race from the earliest stages, Coffey ended up having a ding-dong duel down the straight as his favourite fought it out with Redella, the longest-priced runner for the whole day.
He only made sure of the win in the last 50m.
Vivideel would return punters $5.50, but those who backed bush specialist Dean Yendall on 100/1 bolter Redella, the fourth of four emergencies, picked up $24.40 for the place.
Trainer Calvin McEvoy said Vivideel’s owners bought the horse almost three years ago with Warrnambool as the target.
“He’s a progressive young stayer who’s still working it out and we were keen to get him out here for this trip,” McEvoy said.
Coffey said the past few years at the ’Bool had been great for him – although last year he “had a bit of a spell” as Thomas was born on May 1, the first day of that carnival.
“This four-year-old gelding is a good horse, and it has been nice to get a win for the McEvoy team as well, as they are really supporting me at the moment, so I’m pleased to get one for them down here,” he said.
“And the owners, by the way, were pretty keen to get a winner too.
“So, it’s been a bit of a plan for them and the McEvoys and it’s really nice when those things come off.”
Coffey said he had always loved riding at Warrnambool – he was a joint winner of the leading rider award there a few years ago.
He said he had a strong connection with the carnival and its hurdling tradition, even though it’s 400km from his home base.
“I have ridden for a lot of stables which really enjoy jumps racing, so I get to ride in the trackwork and trials with a lot of these good old jumpers,” he said.
“And I love nothing more than getting down here and seeing them in the flesh, doing their thing.
“That’s what makes this carnival so special.
“But I’m actually having (Wednesday) off and spending the day with Thomas and Tayla, and then I’ll be back Thursday, and can win the cup hopefully,” he laughed, ahead of a ride on Japanese bred Mystery Island for trainer Shane Jackson.
The $300,000 Warrnambool Cup was due to be run at 3.55pm on Thursday, after The Guardian had gone to print.
