By Richard Goodbody
Matt McGillivray ensured lightning struck twice at Doomben today after guiding Tambo’s Mate to a thrilling victory in the Group 3 TAB BRC Sprint.
Having clinched the opening black-type race of the winter campaign aboard Vanna Girl, McGillivray ensured the remainder of the jockeys’ room would go hungry for the day as he steered the four-year-old gelding to his first Group win.
The win capped off a memorable week for Stuart Kendrick, who recorded his 900th career victory at the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday.
Challenged by Deep Impact in the run to the line, Tambo’s Mate ($12) dug deep to score by a short half-head in a photo.
Outback Barbie rounded out the places, while Vega One, which is already exempt for the TAB Stradbroke Handicap after winning The Gateway for Tony Gollan last year, finished fourth.
“It’s pretty satisfying actually,” Kendrick said.
“He’s done a great job this horse…it was really tough today and it was great to have Matty (McGillivray) back on.
“He had a really good blow the other day, so I said to him look we’ve just about got him right, you know, he’ll improve into this and it was good to see him do that today.”
Having won the listed Tatt’s Recognition Stakes during his last campaign, Tambo’s Mate was third-up today after finishing second behind Just Orm at the Sunshine Coast a fortnight ago.
He would not be denied on this occasion as he beat a slick field including Godolphin’s Kementari (fifth) to take his career earnings past $450,000.
The Group 2 Victory Stakes in a fortnight appears the next destination before turning their attentions to the Stradbroke.