Julie Maughan's Raceday Report Sunday 5 February 2017 - Marg Ford Memorial

READILY IS READY by Julie Maughan

Readily gained some match fitness with all the racing at Tamworth over the January Carnival and for reinswoman Lola Weidemann she was pleased the gelding has improved off the runs to take out the Margaret Ford Memorial.

"He had a good draw but it was a hard run" said Weidemann who commenced from the eight barrier with Readily.

Second Major headed up the field as the bell sounded with Readily sitting four back on the outside running line with Weidemann giving chase and claimed Second Major as the field rounded the final turn.

Readily increased his domination as the field raced down the home straight to come away for a 1.2 metre win over stablemate Aussie Vista (Danny Mackney) and Second Major (Laura Spencer) 4.6 metres away third.

"He had to sit and wait but he stuck to his guns" said Weidemann after the win "The horse is starting to take that next step now which is good"

Readily had four runs at Tamworth which saw a win in the Inaugural Bevan Douglas Pace and a second to Magoogan in the Nathans Farrier Service Pace.

The win last Sunday produced a mile rate of 1.58.3 for 1980 metres – a personal best mile rate for Readily.

Weidemann was elated to win the Margaret Ford Memorial as she had known Margaret from the time the Weidemann sisters commenced racing at Tamworth "years ago"

"I always remember Marg she made a very good blueberry pie. We had a good relationship and it is sad that she is gone but it’s great to win it for Marg"

Margaret Ford was a Volunteer at the Tamworth HRC for many years with the Margaret Ford Volunteer Award introduced at the Club as an acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication shown by Margaret who sadly passed away in January last year.

The Weidemann stables had a winning double last Sunday when Stacey Weidemann guided Jogalong Stingray to a handy win in the Prydes Easifeed Pace.