Former Tamworth reinsman Tom Ison will head home for Saturday’s Paceway meeting still aglow with a winning feeling after steering Franco Seville to victory in Newcastle.
“He was too big, too strong. It was a good win,” said Ison on returning to scale following the TAB.com.au Pace.
“The horse was on the bit and travelling strong – he was ready to party,” added the jovial 19-year-old.
Racing three back in the outside running line, Whatwereuthinking (Will Rixon) was leading the field but the final bend saw the eventual winner emerging with a four-wide run from Franco Seville.
“He doesn’t have much gate speed but he did his own thing and got a good position so we were nice and handy – ready to kick home,” said Ison.
“He worked good through the week and we were confident that he was going to be a danger.”
Franco Seville is now trained by Roy Roots Jnr at Keinbah in the Hunter Valley, with Ison making the move from Tamworth to work at the stables just over a month ago.
The 10-year-old Badlands Hanover-Silky Franco gelding is raced by Ison’s father Andy and paid $44 for the win.
“I have got three horses down here with me,” said Ison. “They are content with the change.”
Franco Seville utilised the length of the Newcastle Paceway with every stride a winner.
“He had them half way down the straight and he was still coming,” said Ison. “It was his quickest mile rate so it was a personal best.”
Franco Seville captured a half-neck win over Zac McCool (Josh Gallagher), with Charming Major (Ashley Hart) 2.7 metres away third. The quarters were contested in 27.9 seconds for the first quarter, 30secs for the second, 29.2sec for the third and the last quarter was covered in 29.3sec – for a mile rate of 1.56.4 for 1609 metres.
“I came down to see what it was like – I liked it and stayed,” said Ison. “There is more racing opportunities and I could bring my horses with me.
“I still have to muck out the stables – its just a job you have to do.”
Ison and his boss having nearly 30 horses in work.
“I am absolutely loving it,” said Ison. “I am looking for success and to learn more of the industry.”
In 133 race starts, Franco Seville has 18 wins and 35 placings. Prior to Saturday night, his last win was at Narrabri in April.
