Phishing finally the catch of the day

Bruce Stewart Journalist

There was no more popular win than that of Phishing (Master Glide) at Ascot Park today.

“I thought ‘today’s the day,” trainer driver Tim Robertson said.

With all of her seven rivals galloping at some stage of the 2200 metre stand, Phishing’s manners finally paid dividends.

Phishing made her usual fast beginning and was soon in front as the rest of the field proceeded to gallop and at one point Phishing was a lonely 100 metres in front.

“She had a bobble at the start but you hold her there and she comes right back.”

At the 500 Mark Hurrell, driving Majestic Daughter, decided to trot up on the outside of Phishing and got a half a length in front of her before she (Majestic Daughter) rolled into another gallop leaving Phishing in front again.

“I saw Majestic Daughter and then she had a break and I looked around and didn’t see anything. I could hear them, but couldn’t see too much.”

At the line Phishing had held on to win by two and three quarter lengths from Majestic Daughter who got going again, with Kracka Karma two and a half lengths back in third.

“If you egg her on too much she gives up. So that’s why the pacifiers were on today. You could tell when Ritchie’s (Austin) horse (Majestic Daughter) broke she was only doing what she needed to.”

Today’s race was start number forty seven for Phishing and up to this point a win had eluded the seven year old mare. Prior, she’d recorded three seconds and six thirds.

“She’s had a few niggles. She has just come back from a bad virus and she also cracked her head on the jog frame, so she had a bit of time off. Every time I seem to get her right she does something.”

The results sheet tells the full story of today’s race. Geraldine Clowers (fourth 15.60 lengths back), Blarney Stone (fifth 38.10 lengths), Fillyourboots (sixth 43.40 lengths), Courageous Katie (seventh 61.20 lengths) and Ticktock McGlaughlin (eighth 69.50 lengths).

“I did remember looking around at the start and thinking she could be the only one that trots all the way and that’s what happened.”

Today’s card was sponsored by the Invercargill Licensing Trust. One of the ILT restaurants, The Saucy Chef sponsors Robertson.

“I work at Tiwai but I chef at the Trust places on my days off to help out. It’s one of those things - you miss chefing and the pressure that goes with it.”

This was Roberson’s first win since Miss Jessica won at Wyndham in June 2023.

Phishing with Tim, Annmarie and Finlay Robertson