Kent Rattray fortunes changed on Easter Sunday when Riverboat Jasper took out the time honoured Tasmanian Easter Cup.
Rattray who turned to full time training some two years ago leased Riverboat King just six weeks ago from fellow trainer Wayne Campbell
It was Kent Rattray’s first success as a trainer in the Group 2 event as Riverboat King powered home to win the Group 2 event over 2698 metres from Resurgent Spirit and Queens Advocate.
It also was a first for driver John Walters, his father Harry won the Easter Cup in 1976 with Andy Cast.
Walters had Riverboat Jasper (Riverboat King-Cranleigh) settled better than midfield but on the rails from his front-row draw while The Majority (Gareth Rattray) led with the well-backed favourite Jaruzelski Leis on his outside facing the breeze.
Jaruzelski Leis forged to the lead turning for home and by that time Walters had Riverboat Jasper off the fence and three-wide challenging.
Resurgent Spirit ($3.60) forged to the front turning for home but Riverboat Jasper powered home to defeat Resurgent Spirit with Queens Advocate ($7.50) flashing home late to grab third.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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