Sea Fury gives Luke Tabone his first Country Cup win at Shepparton

Aspiring trainer Luke Tabone broke through with his first major Cups success when his six year old gelding Sea Fury (Always B Miki) despite a tough run proved too strong for his rivals in the $12,000 Wangaratta Pacing Cup at Shepparton on Sunday evening.

Sea Fury who was only having his third start for Tabone turned in an outstanding performance to prevail. He was inconvenienced at the start then driver Chris Alford sent him around three wide with a cover. However from the bell he was three wide without any cover.

Favourite With In Reason who had raced outside the leader went for home along the back straight and broke away with what appeared to be a winning break turning for home. But Sea Fury who had been given a bit of a breather behind With In Reason wasn’t done with yet and issued another challenge half way down the straight. In a desperate finish he lunged on the line to edge out With In Reason while Fire Marshall who was still a clear last on the final bend stormed home to take third.

SEA FURY 10 MAR REPLAY

New Zealand bred Sea Fury commenced his career in New Zealand.

Actually a couple of years ago when I was in New Zealand I offered for him. But then it was later on that I got him

commented Tabone.

Sea Fury then went to Western Australia under Michael Brennan and then ended up in Queensland when Brennan shifted his operations there.

Tabone then explained how he obtained Sea Fury.

I got him from a Nutrien reduction sale with a M40 rating. He had a couple of runs at Albion Park and I thought he looked good. And clearly Tabone’s judgement was spot on.

Tabone reflected on his Wangaratta Cup success.

I can’t believe he won the race he went super. I set him for that race at Wangaratta as I wanted to win a Cup and I knew he’d be a chance if he found the gate there.

Chris (Alford) was really happy with the run and thought the horse went super. He actually thought that the horse had done a heap of work and that’s why he dropped in behind for a last run at them.

He’s pulled up really well. He tends to leave some feed after hard run. But this is the best he’s ever come after a race since.

He’s a lovely horse to do anything with. At times he can get a bit fired up.

Tabone has been at the Shepparton complex since November last year with his partner renowned horse woman Bec Bartley.

I’ve got two horses for myself, Bec has 16 in work. I don’t want to have too many more since Bec has a full team.

I purchased a yearling from the sales. So I’ve put Sea Fury up for sale.  And we’ll see if someone wants to buy him.

But I’m not too fussed if I don’t sell him. He’s a 65 rating haven’t looked too far ahead.

I think he’s good enough to win at Metropolitan level either at Melton or Menangle. I prefer Menangle as the draw is based in ratings while Melton is random.

Tabone learned the ropes from his father Jeff who trained successful horses such as 29-times winner Cruz NZ which Luke co-owned, and Chaslee NZ 14 wins

Dad is still training at Bacchus Marsh and he has seven in work.

Whether or not Sea Fury is sold or continues to race under Tabone, he is sure to win races with such a  tough disposition. And given Tabone’s astute ability to pick out winners it won’t be long before he trains another good one.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink