Win number eight for Taimate Diva

Consistent winter stalwart, Taimate Diva chalked up the eighth win of her career in the $40,000 SVS Open Handicap (2000m) at Riccarton on Saturday.

Taimate Diva and supporters following Saturday's win.

Ridden by apprentice Ayush Mudhoo, Taimate Diva was quick away from barrier two and set the pace throughout the 2000m event. She was only headed the final strides and bravely kicked to win by half a head.

“It was a thoroughly deserved win,” trainer Andrew Carston said. “She’s been really consistent all preparation so it was pleasing and it was a good day to win to in the open handicap for good money.

The six-year-old daughter of Telperion had finished second in her previous two appearances.

“She’s a tough old thing and when she gets things her way she’s pretty competitive.” Carston said.   

“I’ve got no excuses for he getting beaten in her last couple of races, she’s had her chances, so I put the claimer on her this week to give her every possible chance and it all worked out.

Carston praised the ride of Mudhoo who is currently apprenticed to him, on loan from the North Island.

“It was a good ride from Ayush and great for him to get another winner for the stable too.”

Taimate Diva was bred by Marlborough’s David and Paul Hickman, and she is raced under the Taimate Equine banner they share with their brother John Hickman.

“They’re very good owners,” Carston said. “I have half a dozen in work for them now and she was their very first thoroughbred, they’ve had harness horses, she has taken them on an educational ride. They’ve learned a lot with her there’s been ups and downs and the old girl has introduced them to it all.”

Carston planned to make the most of Taimate Diva’s penchant for the winter months.

“She is a winter horse,” he said. “She likes wet ground so all going well we’ll give her another run soon. She seems to be copping it well.