Skip to main navigation Skip to main content

Kelly breathes new life into Reiby The Red

2 March 2019

Share this page

Share on a platform

Or copy the page link

By Isaac Murphy

Reiby The Red's winning owner says his seven-year-old is thriving under the guidance of new trainer Les Kelly, after claiming the Class 3 Plate at Doomben on Saturday. 

Reiby The Red last saluted the judge at Warwick Farm in November 2016, but broke through at just start three for Kelly after connections moved the well-travelled gelding to the Gold Coast earlier this year. 

Reiby The Red has endured a career of near misses with just three wins from his forty-five race starts, but prominent owner Bill Mumford said Kelly had breathed new life into the horse.

“We’ve only had the horse with Les (Kelly) for a few months and all three of his runs have been outstanding, he’s turning back the clock,” Mumford said.

“He’s run second a lot this horse, so to see him cling on today is a credit to the work the stable’s done.”

Mumford also owned Consular, a prolific winner in Brisbane in the late 90s and early 2000s, and said although there was no comparison ability wise, both had been great money spinners.

“He’s done a great job this horse he’s earnt over $200,000 now from Warwick Farm to Cairns,” Mumford said.

“He doesn’t hold a candle talent wise to Consular, but when you think he won just over the million-mark Reiby The Red has had a nice career comparatively.”

Being new to the stable Kelly said he had learnt a lot about the gelding in his last couple of starts and had a plan to pinch the race today.

“He’s been a bit one paced and he’s been looking for more ground, so the plan was to pour the pressure on at the 450 and Michael (Murphy) pushed the button at the right time,” Kelly said.

“We’re still seeing what he’s really capable of we may have a look at something over a bit more ground next up.”

Hoop Michael Murphy said he pre-race chat with Kelly went to plan as the horse bounced into a prominent position.

“We put the spurs on today and gave him a little dig behind the gates and he jumped nicely, which allowed us to sit outside the leader,” Murphy said.

“King Dinisty kicked a couple clear at the turn, but I knew my horse was travelling pretty comfortably and he wore it down.”

Race favourite Surprise Bullet was scratched at the barriers for refusing to load.