Lisa Allpress extended her lead in the New Zealand Jockeys’ Premiership at Tauherenikau on Sunday when she rode a double, which included victory aboard Italian Lover (NZ) (Zed) in the Masterton Cup (2200m).
The victory put her six wins ahead of the country’s leading apprentice Kozzi Asano, with a further three wins back to northern hoop Samantha Collett.
Allpress started the day on a high, winning the opening race on the card with the Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard-trained Grand Mayson (NZ) (Power).
It was the fourth victory from 21 starts for the son of Power and Allpress believes there is plenty more in store for the gelding.
“He is a really nice horse. I have ridden him at the trials a couple of times and I was rapt that they gave me a ride on him on raceday,” she said.
“He is a nice horse, is beautiful to look at, and I think he has got a bit of ability.”
Later on the card Allpress saluted the judge for a second time after riding home Italian Lover to a short-head victory in the Masterton Cup.
“She is a little mare that we have always had a lot of time for,” Allpress said. “Karl, my husband, really liked her the first few times he watched her race.
“If it comes to a decision in a race to ride her I have always picked her.
“I was relatively confident with her chances heading into Sunday. I had a couple of choices in that race and I thought into her third run back she was going to be very competitive as she is a mare that gets better with racing.”
While pleased to have created a bit of a buffer with her lead in the Jockeys’ Premiership, Allpress said the potential impact of the Covid-19 epidemic is far more important.
“It’s a difficult time for a lot of people,” she said.
“I am happy with the way I have been riding, I have felt really relaxed out there as I am really enjoying what I have been doing.
“The premiership, if that happens this year that would be fantastic, but I think we have got a lot more things to worry about than winning premierships.”
