Racing: It's Tony all the way

An aggressive ride from apprentice jockey Chad Ormsby clinched an effortless front-running victory for Tony The Pony in the opening event at Ellerslie yesterday.

With the assistance of Ormsby's three kilogram apprentice claim Tony The Pony carried the luxury weight of 53 kilograms and ran the sprint finishing ability out of the opposition to win by two lengths over Mr Bojangles.

A further short neck away in third position was Wit And Polish.

The 6-year-old O'Reilly-sired gelding has failed in five previous attempts on winter track conditions but a change in riding tactics saw a dramatic form reversal recorded.

Tony The Pony has had plenty of racing, 33 starts for two wins and 10 minor placings for his Cambridge-based trainer Brad Peterson. 

- HERALD ON SUNDAY