Local apprentice jockey Ciel Butler had an unforgettable day in the saddle at New Plymouth on Saturday, riding a winning double that included her first victory at black-type level.
The 22-year-old opened her account for the day aboard Stratford sprinter Ifndoubtgetout in the $50,000 McCurdy Trucks Open (1400m). The Keano gelding was the subject of a remarkable betting plunge, opening at $16 and jumping as a $2.70 favourite. He led every step of the way and lived right up to expectations with a dominant 10-length romp.
But there was even better still to come for Butler, who later rode Contribute for her employer Robbie Patterson in the $120,000 Gr.3 Denis Wheeler Earthmoving Taranaki Cup (1800m). Butler gave the six-year-old Contributer mare a comfortable midfield run before presenting her out wide at the home turn and finishing powerfully down the straight for a half-length local triumph.
“It’s been a great day, and to win the Taranaki Cup for Rob was definitely an awesome feeling,” Butler said.
“With Ifndoubtgetout, I think a lot of people sometimes forget that he was good enough to run third in the Telegraph (Gr.1, 1200m) last year. He was drawn one today and went down to 51kg with the claim, and there wasn’t much chance of stopping him. He was trucking the whole way and really dominated the race. Tracey (Bliss, owner-trainer) does such a good job with that horse.
“Contribute’s a special horse for me. I ride her all the time and have been riding her ever since I started working for Rob. Her work during this week was phenomenal, and she really kicked away well in the straight today. It was a very good win.”
Notably, Saturday’s double included a milestone 40th career winner, which means Butler’s allowance will now drop from 3kg to 2kg.
Butler rode 24 winners last season and is firmly on target to overhaul that tally in 2023-24, having already racked up 17 wins with almost six months remaining.
“I’m pretty stoked about going down to a two-kilo claim after today,” Butler said. “That was something I wanted to achieve, and now I just hope I can keep this good run rolling.”