Lines’ first Guineas triumph

ANDREW O’TOOLE

Courtesy of NT News

Emma Lines was the toast of Fannie Bay on Saturday when she stole the show with a beautifully judged ride aboard Tubthumper to win the $75,000 Darwin Guineas, the feature event for three-year-olds on the first day of the Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival.

The 17-year-old apprentice, who has only been race riding since December, became just the second apprentice – and the first in 21 years – to win the Darwin Guineas. Joel Hallam, who guided Grey Deaert to Guineas success back in 2002 and who was a top-class rider, was the only previous apprentice to achieve the feat.

One of just two fillies in the event, Tubthumper, trained by Phil Coles for a large syndicate of owners, began smartly from barrier five and led up the hill towards the 1300m. She was headed soon after by Chef de Mission, but held the inside running throughout.

With 600m to run, Chef De Mission began to feel the pinch and Tubthumper went through to lead again approaching the home turn. The favourite Century Fox loomed ominously out three and four-wide, and turning into the straight, looked the likely winner. \

However, try as he might, Paul Shiers, chasing his 10th Guineas victory, could not cajole Century Fox to overhaul the filly, and Tubthumper showed admirable tenacity to cling on for a thrilling short head win. Anphina, the other filly in the race, was just under five lengths back third, ahead of Iknowhatyouredoing, who made up a heap of ground late and Perisseuo…

Read full article on NT News website here. Page 28.