Rain a welcome sign for Masters

[Wandering Eyes]

Rachel Masters is welcoming the rain in Auckland ahead of racing at Avondale on Wednesday, where she will line-up Tickle Me Almo in the Kenton Wright Photography 2100.

The seven-year-old gelding has enjoyed winter racing, placing in three of his last four starts, much to the delight of his owner-trainer.

He has been met by Heavy10 tracks in those outings and with the wet weather forecast ahead of Wednesday, Masters is hoping he will be met by similar conditions, with the track rated a Heavy9 on Saturday.

“They have been nice runs. I wasn’t really expecting what he did at Hawera, but it has been great. He could do with a bit more rain and it looks like they are going to get it,” Masters said.

While pleased with his results on the flat, Masters has been schooling her gelding over fences and is in the process of earning his jumping ticket.

“He has had a hurdle trial and I have that (jumping) in-mind for him next year. He does jump like a hurdler,” she said.

“But as long as he is going alright on the flat, I might as well keep him to that for now.”

Tickle Me Almo is Masters’ sole horse in work and she enjoys working him around her other commitments.

“I work for Debbie Sweeney in the morning and I ride a few at the track every day and then come home and work the sport horses and pre-trainers,” she said.

“It is nice to have one of my own as I can do what I like and if I get it wrong it is my fault.”

Masters has always had an interest in horses and is pleased she has pursued a career in the racing industry, having also spent time as a jockey.

“I went through pony club and most of it has been sport horses and eventing,” she said.

“My Dad was interested in harness horses and he quite liked to follow the gallopers as well. I could ride them, so I thought I would dabble with training them.”

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