Veteran Masterton horse owner Jim Wallace senior had one awful, fleeting moment of doubt late on Wednesday afternoon, before settling down to savour one of the greatest moments of his life.
Mr Wallace, 89, was on his feet, his eyes fixed on the television screen as his pride and joy Titch
got the better of the rich Auckland Cup field but for a second or two he wasn't sure he was watching the right horse.
"When Opie Bosson hooked him out into the clear at the top of the straight I thought we were going to win but with 100m to run I thought I hope I am looking at the right horse."
"I was on my feet and I pointed my walking stick at him on the screen and said to my family who had all gathered in the lounge 'that's him isn't it'.
"They shouted back yes."
It was then the celebrations really began, as the family had opted to stay at home with Mr Wallace, who had been unable to make the trip to Ellerslie to see Titch triumph.
For Mr Wallace the win was his biggest in New Zealand during a long and successful association with the sport in this country and in Australia.
It also had sentimental value as Titch was one of the last foals sired by the Wallace family favourite Lord Ballina.
Titch had been little more than a mere baby when trainer Kevin Myers spied him at Ardsley Stud. "He picked him out in the paddock and said it was worth seeing what he could do."
Mr Wallace said he was more than happy to leave it to Myers and his confidence has been well rewarded.
Titch has shown tremendous versatility by not only stringing together wins on the flat but also over hurdles. He won three hurdle races in succession in Australia last winter under the tutorship of Victorian trainer Paddy Payne before being returned to Myers and setting his sights on the Auckland Cup. Mr Wallace has a full sister to Titch - racing as Soph - and Sparking, winner of 11 races.
