By David Nagel
Gun jockey Grant Seccombe kept his goggles on a little longer than normal after winning the race named in his honour at Woolamai on Saturday.
Picnic racing fans arrived on course to find a race book announcement that popular jockey Seccombe would be retiring from race riding after this week’s meeting at Yea.
It meant Seccombe would ride for one last time at Woolamai, with the last race on the card being the Thank You Grant Seccombe Handicap (1008m).
Seccombe jumped aboard the shortening second-favourite Elly Dee and gave the six-year-old mare an absolute peach of a ride.
A fairytale finish quickly became a reality for Seccombe, who settled midfield before making his run on the turn.
Elly Dee quickly gobbled up the leaders, with Seccombe pumping his fist as the top-weight raced clear to win by a widening three-and-a-half lengths on the line.
The usually ice-veined Seccombe choked up at the presentation ceremony, thanking all who have helped his career in the saddle.
In particular he paid tribute to Elly Dee’s trainer Troy Kilgower, who he has enjoyed a long association with, along with family and fellow jockeys; who presented him with a signed saddlecloth.
Woolamai has been a happy hunting ground for Seccombe with 34 winners at the track including the Woolamai Cup on two occasions and victory in the inaugural ‘Woolamai Whirlwind’.
Seccombe was lavish in his praise of racing at Woolamai, particularly the consistently good tracks, sponsorship, and the way the whole day is presented.
Cranbourne trainer Jason Evans also enjoyed the day of racing at Woolamai, securing a winning double.
Evans trained Sacra to victory in the opening race on the program before Carlito Brigante saluted in race five.
The Gafa family from Moe were very excited to win the second on the card with Acey Deucy winning stylishly from Reg Manning’s consistent gelding Anything But.
The third was taken out by Bleuet De France, trained at Pakenham by Ebony Tucker, giving jockey Jack Virgona the first of a double.
The race was sponsored by the Tully family, some of whom have been coming to Woolamai races for 50 years.
Speaking on behalf of the four generations on course for the event, Mrs Tully Snr confirmed they have been attending since buying a block on an unmade road on Phillip Island for $3000 in 1975.
The fourth was won by the Rob Blacker trained Zeftino, who looked a good thing after going down narrowly at the previous meeting to Sheer Grunt.
The meeting also recognised the long and valuable service of deceased committee members Tom Wilson and Rodney McAllister.
The Alex Scott and Staff Woolamai Cup is the next meeting on the calendar on Saturday 8 February, which sure to be a standout occasion.
Cup prize money is now a tempting $10,000; supported by Country Racing Victoria.
