High Court has won the $200,000 Tamworth Cup (1400m) in dramatic fashion, with winning jockey Grant Buckley praising the five-year-old gelding's trainer, Jeff Englebrecht, for "always standing by" him.
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With more than 1000 racegoers watching on beneath a blue sky, High Court edged the Cody Morgan-trained topweight Wren's Day (Samantha Clenton). The Gary Moore-trained Petronius (Robbie Dolan) was third in a blanket finish.
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High Court paid $18 for the win (TAB fixed odds).
Post-race, Buckley nursed his infant son and "lucky charm", Jett.
"He's given me a lot of opportunities through my career," Buckley said of Englebrecht, "and has always stood by me, especially when owners haven't wanted me on the horses and wanted Sydney riders.
"He's always backed me. And you can't ask for any more than that [from] a trainer."
Riding for Wyong-based Englebrecht was "an honour", he added.
It was High Court's sixth win in 24 starts, with the $109,000 first prize taking his career earnings to almost $243,000.
In his previous start, High Court finished 10th over 1400m at Randwick on April 17.
Race favourite, the Paul Messara-trained Total Recall - ridden by Melbourne Cup-winner Craig Williams - finished fifth as part of the tight finish.
The finish included the fourth-placed, Bob Milligan-trained Charmmebaby (Ashley Morgan) and the sixth-placed, Todd Howlett-trained Two Big Fari (Mikayla Weir).
Buckley rode a double on the day. Earlier, he steered the Rodney Northam-trained Kinship to victory in race five.