Beach Flybye powers to win Country Cups

Bruce Stewart Contributor

Harness racing gelding Beach Flybye (Downbytheseaside) is on top of his game, and he took out the top prize, winning his seventh race at Ascot Park today in the Regent Car Courts Southern Country Cups Final.

Beach Flybye winning with Tim Williams (Bruce Stewart Photo)

The Steve and Amanda Telfer trained four year old has thrived on his trip south and after winning the Winton Cup last weekend he capped the visit off with success, winning the $40,000 feature on Diamonds Day.

“He’s in the zone at the moment and he’s come a long way. He had a wee skip today, but he hits his stride pretty quick and he was able to kick through,” Steve said.

As expected, driver Tim Williams took Beach Flybye straight to the lead from a front row handicap and there he stayed, beating the trailing horse Charlie Brown (Art Major) by two and three quarter lengths.

“Tim said he just felt great out there today. He’s a big horse, he’s building confidence and he’s just starting to strengthen up and fill into his frame.”

The winning time was 3-23.3 was just 2 seconds outside the race record of 3-21.3 held by 2014 winner Pemberton Shard (Christian Cullen).

“Tim knows the track well because he’s spent a bit of time down here. We’ve really enjoyed the week and hopefully we can do the same next year. Mandy and Tim have done a great job with the team and Gil and I have enjoyed being down here for the week.”

Beach Flybye after his Country Cups win (Bruce Stewart Photo)

The win was one of three for the Telfer training partnership which is locked in battle with Robert and Jenna Dunn for the NZ Trainers Premiership. The Telfers currently lead with 59, and the Dunns are close behind on 56.

“It’s always the goal, but it’s a long way to go. Robert and Jenna are great friends of ours so it’s going to be a good challenge. We’ll push on and hopefully we’ll get close.”