Melea Castle answers late call up from Matt Kropp

By Glenn Davis

Melea Castle has answered a call-up to replace fellow apprentice Isabella Rabjones aboard Tears Of Love who will be chasing back-to-back wins in the Open Handicap at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Rabjones landed her first Saturday city winner aboard Tears Of Love when the six-year-old led all the way to win over 1500 metres at Eagle Farm earlier this month. 

However, Rabjones was dislodged from the Matt Kropp-trained Miss De Blaas at Toowoomba seven days later. 

“Bella was okay but she’s suffered a bit of concussion and won’t ride for a couple of weeks,” Kropp said.

“It’s disappointing Bella won’t be riding Tears Of Love this week but she’ll be back on him again as soon as she’s right.”

Kropp was thrilled with Tears Of Love’s win, rating it a “gusty” performance to lead all the way.

“It was a gutsy win from Tears Of Love to give Bella her first Saturday city winner,” Kropp said.

“She’s had a few mid-week wins and it was a real thrill for her to finally win on a Saturday in town.”

Tears Of Love will be stepping up slightly in distance to 1600 metres after giving Kropp a rare Eagle Farm winner.

Eagle Farm hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Kropp, who had gone winless in his previous 35 starters at Brisbane’s headquarters.

“The extra distance won’t worry him as he’s won over 2200 metres,” Kropp said.

Kropp is one of Queensland's busiest trainers, venturing across the state placing his horses in the right races, and won the Toowoomba trainer's premiership in 2019.

Tears Of Love was a $16,000 purchase as a yearling and is raced in a syndicate headed by Rod and Jill Teevan.

“He’s the first horse I have bought for the Teevans,” Kropp said.

“I went to the QTIS March sales a few years ago wanting to buy a yearling by Love Conquers All and we picked him.”

Tears Of Love has been great for connections, winning 11 times in 41 starts, with prize money in excess of $402,000.

Kropp is confident Tears Of Love will again be competitive.

“He’s still fresh enough for 1600 metres and while he’s fresh he’ll be hard to beat over the 1600 metres,” he said.

“He’s a horse who is looking to get out to 2000 metres.”