EF JUN 31: A DAY TIM BELL WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER

By Graham Potter | Sunday, June 1, 2014

The day belonged to Tim Bell at Eagle Farm on Saturday. The young rider took time off with HRO to reflect on the most momentous day to date in his riding career.

“After my Group 1 and double Group 2 success on Saturday I was over the moon … you know up on cloud nine. What a day! For a twenty-one year old to come out and do that … well, it was something special for me.

“As most people know, when you are predicting a good day, it normally goes the opposite way … but I had good barriers and I was very confident on those three horses.

“I did go on record after The Roses as saying that Arabian Gold would not beat Tinto in the Oaks. I said I couldn’t wait to meet the horse again next start. I knew I could run a strong 2400 while Arabian Gold was always going to be suspect over the trip.

“I had the run of the race on Tinto and was able to dictate where I wanted to be. I got rolling at the right time. I straightened up. Arabian Gold had half-a-head on me, still under a hold, but I still knew it was over because I thought he would dash for 100m and I knew he wasn’t going to get further than half-a-length in front of me and I would outstay him.

“As it turned out I had plenty of time for celebration before crossing the line, which I did. The stewards asked me in the room what was my defence for the salute. I said, in my defence, the horse had them covered.

“It turned out to be an expensive photograph but it is one that will go on my wall for a long, long time.”

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“Tinto’s win gave me great pleasure for another reason.

“Rex Lipp is an outstanding trainer and he is a real gentleman. I am always happy to ride a winner for Rex where-ever it might be because we have a mateship bond, and for us to be able to produce at that elite level together … well I was very thrilled about that.

“I would suggest that Rex and I have a strike-rate that is second to none. He had faith to put me on in that big race because of the relationship we have. Obviously I’m going to remember it forever and a day … and so will Rex.

“I’m just so thankful that I could produce the ride for Rex that was needed.

“Rex is a tough old bugger, but even he was a bit emotional at the presentation which shows how much the win meant to him and I was so happy to be able to play a part in that.”

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“My expectation, result-wise, with Sir Moments in the Guineas was pretty similar to that of Tinto.

“Going into that race I was quite confident. I said to a few of the boys in the jockeys’ room after the last run that this horse would win the Guineas in a fortnight … and a lot of them laughed at me and I knew it was a bold prediction.

“I got decked in the early stages and once I straightened up I knew it was going to be like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

“To the horses’ credit it was only a very skinny run that I took. He was just a little bit hesitant, but once he got through that run … one he got his head in there … he shot through like he was fired out of a cannon. Five strides after the post I was something like five metres in front. He was finishing that quickly.

“He is an exciting horse. He is obviously looking for the mile now.”

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“Sir Moments win was a very emotional victory with Mr Guy Walter passing away.

“I’m more than certain I had him riding with me there. You know people like Jamie Walter, who manages the syndicate that part-owns the horse, and the family … they are such a beautiful family and such big-hearted people.

“In these toughest times I couldn’t imagine how he felt … but he had a smile after the day which was a very pleasing part for me.”

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“My third winner was on a favourite … Sacred Star.
“As silly as it might sound, racing is a funny game and when you are in form you are in form. It is a confidence game and going out for the last I had those two big wins behind me and I knew the horse. I had watched all of its replays. I knew what sort of animal I had underneath me.
“I straightened up under a stranglehold. It was all over red rover soon after that.

“I’ve taken the ride on this horse in the Stradbroke (over River Lad) and I’m very excited for him to go to 1400m. I know no horse has ever won the QTC Cup and come out and won the Stradbroke but this is a very unique preparation this horse has had.

“They’ve gone first-up into that run. He was racing very fresh. He’s not going to have that freshness he had in the Stradbroke. I believe he is going to settle in the middle of the pack in the Stradbroke and be ready to strike.

“I am obviously great mates with the McCalls and I have a good connection with River Lad but I just believe the race is going to suit Sacred Star right down to the tee, especially with the weight he is carrying.

“I’m still not entirely sure how the ride on Sacred Star came about but I am very thankful that I’ve got onto this horse.

“The racing game is all about opportunities and I’m just very thankful that I’ve got that opportunity to ride that horse on Saturday and now I’m going into the Stradbroke quite confident again, as I was in the Oaks.”

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“I enjoyed the moment but things cool down quite quickly. I’m a level-headed young rider and I know, as good as the Oaks day was, that day is over.

“I’ve got to look to the future now.

“I’m still a long way from where I want to be. It’s been a big stepping stone to get where I am. It’s an even bigger one to where I want to get to.

“All I can promise you is that I’m going to work my bum off to get there.”

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