Prominent owner Lloyd Williams scored a sentimental win with Tanby taking out the Group 2 $350,000 Deadly Design Zipping Classic (2400m) at Sportingbet Sandown Park today.

Tanby

Tanby wins the Zipping Classic for owner Lloyd Williams. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

The Zipping Classic was named after Williams’ top line galloper Zipping and after winning the Sandown Classic on four occasions from 2007, the Melbourne Racing Club renamed the weight for age Classic after the grand performer.

In form jockey Nicholas Hall rode Zipping to win his fourth Sandown Classic and was very excited to be able to win the race named in his honour on Tanby for Williams.

“It was very enjoyable winning this race on Zipping and having its name changed,” Hall said.

“It’s good to be back with Williams family in winning it again.”

“Lloyd said to me that he had this horse very well even though he’s been three weeks in a row. He seems to cop a lot add doesn’t get hurt.”

“The main thing we wanted to do today was get him settled and once I had him settled through the run I thought we were a good chance.”

Tanby ($7.50) was the second choice Williams runner with stablemate Mourayan being sent out the $2.70 favourite after finishing seventh in the Group 1 $6m Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 6.

Mourayan took up his usual position on the pace with Hugh Bowman while Hall was happy to settle Tanby well back in the field with Dame Claire setting a solid pace up front.

While Mourayan attacked the lead in the straight, Hall was winding up Tanby and was able to hold off the fast finishing effort of the consistent Exceptionally ($7.50) to score by three quarters of a length.

Winning part owner Nick Williams was surprised that Tanby was able to beat the more fancied Mourayan but was still very happy to win the race named after the family’s old warhorse Zipping.

“It was terrific. Nick give him a great ride,” Williams said.

“I must admit I was pretty focused on Mourayan during the run because I really thought he was a great chance and Hughie had given him absolutely every chance but was unfortunate he raced just a bit flat.”

“No, Tanby was terrific. He’s a nice horse and we were keen to get him into the Melbourne Cup this year and thought he would have had a bit of a chance .”

“It’s great to win the Zipping Classic.”

Tanby will now head to the spelling paddock and be aimed toward the Group 1 $500,000 Schweppes Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick next Autumn.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.