Gustav gallops to glory: Jim Scobie’s charge claims victory at Tumut in a thrilling finish at the Tumut Turf Club on Saturday, 17 January when local trainer Jim Scobie tasted success when his consistent performer Gustav stormed home to win Race 2, the PRD Tumut Class 1 Handicap (1400m).
The five-year-old brown gelding, ridden confidently by regular partner Bradley Vale, overcame a wide draw from barrier 8 to claim the $12,000 prize in a nail-biting contest.
Carrying more than 50kg on his back, Gustav held off a determined challenge from Noir Vitesse (trained by Darrell Burnet) in the closing stages, securing the victory by a narrow margin in what punters and racegoers described as a “blanket finish”.
Gustav, who started with appealing odds around $6.50 to $7.40, delivered on his recent promise after a string of solid placings. His form guide heading into the race read 26×5334596, with just one previous win over 1200m to his name.
Saturday’s triumph marked a well-deserved breakthrough at the 1400-metre trip and highlighted Scobie’s patient approach with the gelding.
Scobie, based in Gundagai, is a familiar name in the Riverina’s racing circles. Known for his steady preparation of horses and strong association with jockey Vale, the trainer has built a reputation for producing competitive runners at provincial and country meetings. While his overall strike rate hovers in the five to six percent range from hundreds of starters, days like Saturday remind the racing community why persistence pays off.
The Tumut Turf Club meeting drew a healthy crowd to the picturesque track, with fine weather adding to the exuberant atmosphere.
For Scobie and his team, the win has created momentum for him, and just in time as the autumn racing carnival approaches. Gustav’s victory could open doors to stronger assignments in the coming months.
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.
