Our tough guy, Bitcoin has given his owners something to get excited about in his new career phase as a jumper.
Although capable on the flat, the son of Tarzino (well named out Invisible Coin), showed a real penchant for jumping when Lindsey Smith introduced some fences to change up his training. Stayers with a turn of foot make great jumpers if in fact they can also get over the obstacles and Bitcoin loved the caper so the decision was made to concentrate on jumping and he was given to Jess Pateman, Wife of legendary jumps afficionado, Steven Pateman as a project horse.
Bitcoin took to his new career with aplomb. He won his Maiden over the hurdles then next start beat all but the talented Loft at the “Bool May Carnival. He followed that with a handy effort in the Australian Hurdle when 4th to The Cunning Fox.
Today, Steven piloted the big boy for the first time and rode him perfectly. He looked the winner a long way from home, travelling sweetly off the speed until it was time to pick up and get into the race. He joined in at the 600m and edged clear late proving the stronger stayer. The addition of blinkers helped him too.
It was the first ever win for Jess Pateman, formerly Jess Barton from the prominent Warrnambool family, who recently became a licensed Trainer. Jess has a long history of equestrian success having competed herself in show jumping.
Bitcoin will next head to the $300k Grand National Hurdle on the 3rd August at Sandown and with Loft, who would have been hot favourite to win it, going under in the following race today, the feature opens right up and our boy comes right into calculations!
Congratulations to owners Mr D C Morison, Prestige Racing 3, Mr A M Opie, Mr G Kaparos, Mr I McLean, Mr C R Fisher, Mr B P Morrissey, Mr J Morrissey and Mrs L A McLean.
