Whenever a small racing stable, one the size of Ardmona trainer Ivan Lister, can salute on race day it’s always a memorable and cherished feeling.
But Friday was extra special for Lister as he watched his sharp Court Painter win by a nostril at Tatura in race five, the benchmark 52 Top Tote Plus Handicap (1450m).
It wasn’t the seven-year-old gelding’s third win, from 45 starts, that made Lister emotional, but rather the close link the horse had with his ex-trainer and Lister’s relationship with that trainer.
Beloved Echuca trainer Daryl Archard died at the age of 68 on June 15, the day before his ex-galloper Court Painter saluted for Lister at Tatura.
Archard prepared more than 200 winners during a career that spanned more than four decades and sold Court Painter to Lister at the end of 2021.
Despite a long battle with illness, Archard trained in partnership with son Rhys.
Barmah Al carried Archard’s renowned navy blue and white colours to a gallant fourth at Tatura on the same card later that day.
“I didn’t know Daryl had passed away when I arrived at the track on Friday, but once I heard the news I was upset, I was very upset,” Lister said.
“Knowing him as I did and knowing the link he had with Court Painter, it was a very sad day.
“I saw his son Rhys, I passed on my condolences, I saw his wife (Debbie) later that day and I gave her a hug and she said, ‘I hope Court runs a good race’ and I replied ‘he has, because he’s just won’ so it was nice to share that moment with them.”
Court Painter’s win was his first triumph in 421 days.
The wet track specialist found conditions that suited him, with Tatura a Heavy 10 on Friday.
Lister noted that many expected the gelding, who passed the winning post at 22-1 odds, to struggle first up over 1400m — with his two previous wins coming over 2000m.
With Jockey Arron Lynch and 59.5kg in the saddle, Court Painter got away evenly, but settled towards the back and gave the leaders seven lengths.
Tatura racecourse’s tight bend and short straight approached and Lynch, having lost the rein in his left hand, positioned the gelding out wide and gave him daylight down the final stretch.
Masina led on the inside rail, but with each metre in the final furlong Court Painter gobbled up territory and snatched the win at the winning post.
Lister, who has one other horse in work, discussed the preparation and his decision-making in targeting the 1450m BM52 race at Tatura.
“I gave him a run in December and then decided to spell him because the tracks were getting harder and harder,” he said.
“He’s returned a lot sharper and he’s pretty laid back. He’ll do what you want him to do, so I’ve just taken it pretty easy on him and I haven’t trialled or gave him any jump-outs.
“I thought 1450m was ideal, particularly on a heavy track, which affectively made it like a 1600m race anyway. History tells you it’s too short of a trip for him, but it was a thrill to watch him win, I can tell you that right now.”