Ertijaaj claims emotional victory in Izzy Neale tribute race

The Chris Waller-trained Ertijaaj emerged victorious in a race honouring Izzy Neale, the 22-year-old apprentice jockey who tragically passed away on Tuesday after suffering fatal head injuries in a race fall.

Charlie Duckworth, the articulate racing manager for champion trainer Chris Waller, found himself momentarily at a loss for words when asked to describe his emotions after Ertijaaj triumphed in the Izzy's Gift Benchmark 78 Handicap over 1400 metres.

"I didn't know Izzy so it is hard for me to comment,'' Duckworth shared. "But being married to Kathy (O'Hara) and when she fell in the Oaks and I was running down the track, I can vaguely get a glimmer of the emotion that would be going through the (Neale) family. It is a tough, tough game and I don't know how anyone can put this (tragedy) into words, really.''

The Neale family issued a statement on Tuesday, detailing:

"Izzy rode horses before she could walk. Her love of horses was a lifelong passion that, more recently, had grown into a love of racing. Through organ donation, Izzy will give others the chance of life, bringing some comfort to our family amid this devastating loss. We are deeply grateful for the love, kindness and support shown to Izzy and our family by her friends, the racing community and everyone who has been by our side during this heartbreaking time.''

Star apprentice Siena Grima was understandably overcome with emotion after guiding Ertijaaj ($8.50) to a win by a length and a quarter from Live ($6.50), with Beside The Ocean ($11) securing third place just over a length further back.

Regal Problem, the $2 favourite, did not live up to expectations and was unable to contend for the win.

Ertijaaj stands out as one of the best-bred mares currently in training. This five-year-old, conceived in England under northern hemisphere breeding seasons, is the progeny of the celebrated sire Night Thunder and the 2018 Golden Slipper champion, Estijaab.

"She is a really talented horse but can be her own worst enemy,'' Duckworth elaborated. "She is in a hurry to go nowhere and has let herself down her last two runs by going too keen. From the inside draw we told Siena to leave her alone entirely for the first 200m or so, find cover and let her get into her rhythm. Because we know she has a very good turn of foot if we get the first half of the race right. She was impressive today and is making nice progression.''

"I will have him out tomorrow morning on the water walker and will pick him up on Wednesday. If he's in good order we will look at The Gong.''

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