THERE was no prouder father than veteran jockey Simon Price at Allan Scott Glenburnie racecourse last Friday.
Price had made the trip from Adelaide to see his son Will have his first rides in his brief career here in South Australia.
Will Price is in the early stages of his apprenticeship and is based in Victoria where he has already chalked up several winners.
His profile received a decent boost on Friday – and his dad went home a very happy man – when Price rode a double, including a masterly ride on Patch Adams, the easiest of winners in the $50,000 Scott Group of Companies Mount Gambier Gold Cup.
A previous winner of the 2017 Colac and 2018 Casterton Cups, Patch Adams always travelled like a winner for the young hoop and effectively had the cup won when he booted clear of the small field at the top of the straight.
“It is a massive thrill and he jumped out well and landed exactly where we wanted him to be,” a beaming Price told the media post race after his biggest race win.
“Dad rode him at his third start as a two year old at Gawler.”
For Stawell trainer Terry O’Sullivan, who these days co-trains with daughter Karina, it was his third Mount Gambier Cup success after wins in 1999 (Rules Galore) and 2015 (Stable Star).
“He (Patch Adams) was bought as a yearling and has disappointed us plenty of times and we have even given him a couple of hit outs over hurdles to brighten his ideas up,” O’Sullivan stated.
The race was robbed of much interest with three scratchings, including the last minute withdrawal of the well fancied Mr Clarify at the barrier on veterinary advice.
It was left to the local hope Emil ($18-$7.50) to give chase to Patch Adams, albeit in vain in the final furlong, while the easing favourite San Remo ($1.95-$2.90) was beaten at the 500 metres and finished fourth.
Riding honours on the day went to Adelaide jockey Jeff Maund with an early treble, while local trainer Richard Nicholson took out the opening two events.
Crowd numbers were below the race morning predictions by club officials (4,000) with nearly 2500 in attendance enjoying the fine weather.
Black bookers: Love Me Ned, Carak.
