Albert’s Pick wins in memory of late owner Albert Stapleford

The memory of late thoroughbred trainer Albert Stapleford was honored in fitting style at Tamworth on Monday as the Troy O’Neile-trained Albert’s Pick won the 1200m Maiden Handicap.

Raced by Albert’s nephew Robert, the 4YO D’Argento mare had Jenny Duggan in the saddle, who picked up the ride at the last minute after Jake Pracey-Holmes couldn’t make weight on the 50/1 outsider.

With Duggan aboard, the Tamworth mare raced just behind the speed and relished a frantic tempo before storming over the top of the early leaders to land an impressive victory.

For O’Neile, it was a long-overdue result for connections, and one he was pleased to deliver for the Staplefords.

“It was a special win, and the family really appreciated it,” O’Neile said.

“He was a good man in our sport, and it was just nice to see her win for his family.”

Albert’s Pick holds a special place in the hearts of her namesake’s family, which is where she got her name.

“We have had a few horses for them before, and through Robert, he offered me Albert’s Pick and told me the story of why he kept her out of all the others,” O’Neile said.

"He said Uncle Albert had been to the paddock; it was the last time he went out to look at the horses before he was too sick to get out there and she was his pick of the yearlings.

“The family decided to race her and that’s how her name came about; she was Albert’s pick.”

Despite being 17 starts into her career, O’Neile believes he and Duggan have worked out the secret to Albert’s Pick’s success.

“I think 1200m will be her pet distance,” O’Neile said.

"I thought she would get out further, especially with her breeding, and riding her in trackwork myself, she is one of the most economical horses I’ve ever ridden.

"She spends nothing to go a long way, but mentally she isn’t there. She gets herself worked up and doesn’t like to settle, so we’ll stick to the 1200m.

“Going forward, we’ll look for a nice Class 1 and see if she progresses. Now that she has got that win and we’ve worked out how to ride her, she could go on with it.”

It’s been a busy time for O’Neile, who recently moved into a new 30-horse barn at Tamworth, and Albert’s Pick is his first winner from the new stable.

“With a couple of runners on our home track for the first time since making the move, it was important we got an early win,” O’Neile said.

"The new facilities are fantastic, and everyone has been impressed so far. Getting that result further justified the move.

“Now we are just looking at getting more horses in and building towards bigger and better things.”

O’Neile will head to Barraba on Saturday with Emerald Invasion, while stable stalwart Mr Chips will resume at Scone next week before being set for the upcoming Highway Handicaps in Sydney.

Image: Bradley Photos