Emily Moffitt (GBR) got "back on [her] feet" with a win aboard Tipsy du Terral in the $36,600 Suncast Welcome Stake CSI4*-W Thursday afternoon at Deeridge Farms.
The longtime partners bested a field of 45 to take the win, crossing the timers of Alan Wade's (IRL) 1.45m speed track in 60.38 seconds. Erynn Ballard (CAN) finished second with Judge Hof ter Zeedycke (60.43 seconds), with Daniel Coyle (IRL) and Farrel third (61.78 seconds).
"It all kind of panned out quite fantastically!" Moffitt exclaimed. "I went in and [trainer Ben Maher] just said, ‘Let’s do it. Let’s go for it. Let’s win something.’ I haven’t had the best start to the season, so it’s great. I feel like I’m back on my feet now. She’s my trusty little steed. We throw her in anything, and she gets it done."
With just five-hundredths of a second separating the top two, Moffitt credited her win to her mare's carefulness, particularly in the combinations on course.
"With her, she’s so careful in doubles," she explained. "That allows me to really gallop in, whereas to the last jump I have to hold her off a little bit. That's probably where I got it done today.
"It was just one of those rounds where, everything came up perfectly," she added. "I was lucky that happened, because that makes a big difference."
Moffitt, 21, has been partnered with Tipsy du Terral for nearly three years, recording a half-dozen victories at the international level, from Europe to Wellington.
"I had her for a few years now," Moffitt explained. "She’s very strong, and my little chicken arms have to step up their game when I ride her! It’s nice, because she drags you to everything. You’re just along for the ride, and she’s like, ‘Come on, let’s do this!’ I love that. She’s just a really great partner to have."
Moffitt is just beginning her winter season at the Palm Beach Masters Series®, as she will represent Great Britain in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ USA CSIO5* that will take place at Deeridge Farms on Feb. 16.
"I love everything [about this venue]," she said. "It’s a real change of scenery, and I love the [lake] and the backdrop and everything. It's just nice to have that big grass field. I love it, and all my horses seem to like it as well."
