Queensland newcomers secure first victory in Australia

Relative newcomers to the Sunshine State Kerry and Ian Taplin have celebrated their first winner since relocating from New Zealand.

The Taplins were long-time trainers out of Isla Bank across the ditch, before they recently made the move to call Australia home.

The married training partnership snared their first Australian winner with their fifth starter at Ipswich on Wednesday, with Tappy's Lad successful in Benchmark 65 grade.

“It has been a long wait as we have been here for two and a half months now,” Kerry told Bernadette Cooper of Sky Racing after the victory.

“We are really happy with the way the team is going and to get a winner today, it is good.

“I have got some really good owners who have stuck with me and my husband and to win some races, it is good.”

The experienced duo did not take long to find their groove in Queensland, with two of their opening four runners finishing in the money before they broke through for their first victory.

All five starters have come this month around South East Queensland. 

Stayer Tappy's Lad won two races in NZ and came from back in the field to score at $14 on Wednesday at the Bundamba track under the guidance of in-form rider Ben Thompson.

The family had visited Australia on a number of occasions in recent times and had considered a permanent move for about five years.

Kerry said post-race on Wednesday that the stable searched for the perfect environment for their horses and three children before they made the call to relocate.

“It has all come together well,” she said.

It was reported in New Zealand before the move that the Taplins had purchased two properties on the Sunshine Coast.

Prior to going into training, Kerry was a jockey as the duo had trained in partnership for almost a decade in New Zealand.

The family has brought over 21 horses, including mares and foals, with 10 in work at Caloundra.

They will use stables at Corbould Park, as well as their home property to prepare their team.

“After they race or gallop, we transfer them over between home and the track,” she said.

The Taplins are not the only Kiwi’s flying in Queensland training ranks.

Deagon trainer Jack Bruce has now prepared six winners from his last eight starters following a double at Dalby on Thursday.

"The stable is going well at the moment," Bruce said.