A decision by trainer Michael Young to cover Ambitsiya’s hind legs with heavy bandages is helping the promising mare to overcome some of her problems.
Ambitsiya was the $2.20 favourite from the No. 2 barrier when Emily Suvaljko drove her patiently before she sprinted home strongly to win the 2130m RAC Members Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Heartofahlia set a slow pace while Suvaljko did not bustle Ambitsiya early and then bided her time in the one-out, one-back position before she brought the Advance Attack mare home with a well-timed run to win comfortably from the fast-finishing $2.90 chance Lenora Jane.
Ambitsiya, resplendent in bright pink bandages on the bottom half of her hind legs, was switched three wide 450m from home and took the lead 230m later as she covered the final 400m in 28.4sec.
Ambitsiya, having her fourth start for Young, WA’s leading trainer in 2025, ended a frustrating losing sequence of six, stretching back to April. She now has a record of 16 starts for six wins, two placings and $44,125.
“She is not the best gaited horse and has been affected by a few little niggles,” said Young. “She is not going at her best but is probably pacing the best she has ever has.
“I have changed her shoeing around, and that has been a big help. And we wrap her back legs which has helped as well. The extra weight of the bandages has improved her pacing action.”
Ambitsiya completed a double for Young, who was successful with the $2.20 favourite Blaze Away in the 2130m Retravision, Lowest Price Guarantee Pace.
Blaze Away, driven by teenager Kylah Madden, began from the outside barrier in the field of eight and settled down in last place. He was sixth at the bell and was saved up for a final burst when Madden sent him forward, three wide with 250m to travel. He took the lead 75 m from the post and won by a half-length from $12 chance Beyond Bling, ending a losing sequence of 17.
“Blaze Away has a lot of ability but he doesn’t try very hard,” said Young. “Once he hits the front he pulls up, and he should have won more comfortably. He will be going for a spell now.”
Nineteen-year-old reinsman Liam Elliott ended the season on a high note, driving a double with Soho Moonraker and Cullen Star. He ended the year with 76 winners and 144 placegetters in his first season of a full-time involvement.
“I just want to improve myself every year,” said Elliott.
New Zealander Tom Nally celebrated his first 12 months in WA by driving the final winner on the program when Delulu ($2.70) enjoyed a perfect trip, one-out and one-back, and sprinted home fast to win comfortably from his stablemate and $2.20 favourite Captains Creek, who ruined his chances by overracing in the lead.
The quinella result ended the season on a high note for champion trainers Greg and Skye Bond, who will be inducted into the WA Racing Hall of Fame in early 2026.
