Splash Back proves superior in the Group 1 Tatts Tiara

Trainer Grahame Begg had meticulously planned for the Group 1 Tatts Tiara (1400m) with his capable mare Splash Back, and this long-term strategy culminated in victory at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

After a subdued effort in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in the Spring, Begg's attention turned to Queensland. With notable rivals like Fangirl and Spicy Martini absent, Splash Back carried the prime saddlecloth.

Jockey Jordan Childs opted for a ground-saving run along the inside, a tactic that proved successful in Splash Back's initial win in the Group 2 Victory Stakes (1200m). The $8.50 outsider navigated traffic effectively, securing a win by 1-1/4 lengths. Savagery Vibe ($21) claimed second place, with Gerringong ($5) a further length adrift in third.

Begg, who also won the Tatts Tiara with Bonanova in 1999 and 2000 when it held Group 3 status, highlighted the mare's strong prior performances in the Kingsford Smith Cup and the Stradbroke Handicap as reasons for her deserved success.

"It's always been a race that I really love," Begg revealed. "She's been a beauty, this horse. Since we got her to train, she's been outstanding. She's all heart, she just goes out and goes to war for you."

This triumph represents Begg's 16th Group One victory. Notably, it was only the second occasion that Childs had ridden Splash Back, despite the jockey having substantially more rides for Begg compared to any other trainer.

"I gave him (Childs) licence and said, 'If you've got to go back to the inside because there's nothing wrong with it today'," Begg explained. "The track's played beautifully… they've done an amazing job and they've absolutely looked after us a treat. We've had a good number of horses here and it's just great."

Childs expressed his elation at adding another Group One race to his tally. His maiden top-flight win was aboard Written By for Begg in the 2018 Blue Diamond Stakes, followed by his recent success in the Robert Sangster Stakes on Geegees Mistruth.

"I was able to sneak runs up the inside and coming to the corner, I knew I just needed to unfold the way I needed it to and a few runs to appear," Childs recounted. "Once she did, she really burst through. Great to get another Group One winner for Grahame and especially this horse, she's been fantastic."

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