Wellington Boot hopeful impresses with debut win at Tamworth
Troy O’Neile appears to have a talented young horse in his stable in the form of Tricia’s Rainbow.
The Gold Standard filly contested the 2YO Krakatini River Ridge Showcase Handicap (1000m) at Tamworth on Monday.
Despite starting one of the outsiders ($18) for apprentice jockey Leeshelle Small, the Tamworth-trained galloper showed off a deadly turn of foot when winning by a whisker from the Greg Hickman-trained Blocker (Shannen Llewellyn, $11), while over a length away in third was the Allan Kehoe-trained Leuca (Jenny Duggan, $4.40).
Tricia’s Rainbow had won a 900m trial at Scone on January 30 and was primed for a strong showing on her home track.
“I thought it was a sensational win and showed that she is a real competitor,” O’Neile said.
“She is very smart too and knows how to win. She was born knowing how to win, and no matter what you do with her, she has to be first to the line and knows where the post is, which is really impressive.”
Bred and raced by John and Joan Simpson, based out of Hawkesbury, Tricia’s Rainbow is the second foal of unraced Milly Amelia (Dream Ahead, who had a Portland Sky colt in 2025.
O’Neile was pleased to deliver a winning result for connections.
“It is the first winner I’ve trained for them,” O’Neile said.
“She’s out of a home-bred mare, and they gave me the horse to train last year, and she’s always shown a bit of talent.
“She is a typical little chestnut; a proper redhead and fiery thing at the races that has a lovely nature around the stable.”
Off for a short spell, O’Neile and connections are dreaming big with Tricia’s Rainbow, with the $200,000 Wellington Boot (1100m) on Sunday, April 12 well in their sites.
“She has pulled up without any shin soreness or injury,” O’Neile said.
“She has gone to the paddock for a couple of weeks, and after that, we’ll look at the Wellington Boot or, if that didn’t work out, the Romantic Dream at Tamworth.”
O’Neile has now trained seven winners in 2025/26, with stable stalwart Mr Chips winning three since late last year.
“It’s been really good,” O’Neile said.
“I think we’re getting up there with wins, and we’re getting some really good results.”
O’Neile’s attention turns to Tamworth on Monday, where Milly’s Image will get her chance to land a maiden victory.
Words: Jeff Hanson
Image: Bradley Photos