Kilmore trainer Lee Hope’s win was the highlight of the eight-race card at bet365 Park Kilmore on Thursday.
With only his second run after a three-year disqualification, Hope saddled-up Richter, paying $7, for a comfortable win in the MC Traffic BMg8 Handicap over 1212 metres.
Ridden by the trainer’s granddaughter, Tahlia Hope, the four-year-old gelded son of Skilled and Red Silk defeated O’Reg, $8, by a half-neck with Annie’s Comet, $20, a further two and a quarter lengths away third.
“It was a big thrill as it’s been a long time. It was very satisfying as Shannon [Lee’s son] and I do all the work on our own and we are lucky we have good, reliable track riders,” Hope said.
“It was great having Tahlia aboard as she rode her first winner on Danvito for us as an apprentice at Kilmore and it was her first winner as a fully-fledged jockey at the same track.”
Bred by the trainer’s partner Carol Shinn, the gelding is raced by her in partnership with several long-time loyal stable clients.
The gelding was previously trained at Mt Gambier by Peter Hardacre.
Richter has now won two races with a second placing at Bordertown, South Australia, from his five starts.