Rattray climbs Premiership with winning double

Hall of Fame reinsman Gareth Rattray moved to equal fourth on the 2026 Tasmanian Drivers title after a winning double at the Ladbrokes Racing Centre Mowbray in Launceston on Sunday afternoon.

The 10-time state premiership winner started his double aboard the Michael Laugher-trained Shibasaki in the Lees Orchard Stakes (1680m).

Shibasaki ($3.20 fav) was first-up since late December, and settled back second-last before launching three wide at the 1200m to find the lead as the field left the home straight.

The Sportswriter gelding was inclined to run about over the final circuit, but went on to score by 4.1m over Diamondontherocks ($9.50) and Yastremska Leis ($3.90) in a mile rate of 2:00.3s.

“He’s got some speed. Steering-wise, he’s not 100 per cent yet, but I think they’re just thankful they got the win,” said Rattray.

“If they can get him more tractable, I think there are a few more wins there.”

Rattray teamed up with his youngest brother Todd to claim the Free For All, the Ladbrokes Quick Multi Stakes (2200m), with Cuzzy Bro ($10).

The Ultimate Machete gelding held the lead from the pole and defeated Custom Harley ($3.60) and Watermelon Sugar ($14) in a slick 1:56.2s.

“He finally had the draw, and he ran along and ran a good time. That’s probably one of his best wins.”

Gareth believes the pacer will be competitive in country cups and races such as the Golden Apple as he reaches that grade.

Driver Brodie Davis celebrated his birthday in style with a double, teaming up with his father Steven to win with Tambros Tilly ($4.60) and Our Sweet Trixie ($2.50 fav).

Dean Braun continued his Tasmanian campaign with Vivid Dream ($1.55 fav) coming from last to score first-up for his stable.

The Christian Salter-trained Iden Oliver ($1.50 fav) completed a winning hat-trick with Grace Jones in the sulky, while Waves Of Chance ($2.40 fav) proved too tough for his rivals, racing outside the leader to score in a mile rate of 1:55.2.

The Heath Szczypka-trained Wee Georgie Wood ($2.30 fav) kicked off the day on a winning note for favourite punters.

by Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing