A fine training effort by Joe Waldron has put Ujumpijump into consideration for the $101,000 Platinum Homes Taranaki Challenge (1400m) at New Plymouth later this month.

Ujumpijump had been off the scene for almost 10 months, but the young Te Awamutu trainer produced the Iffraaj six-year-old in forward condition for the Tauranga meeting on Wednesday and the result was an impressive three and a quarter-length win in the Classic Cuisine 1400.

Ujumpijump bounced out first for rider Bridget Grylls and was always travelling well in front before  slipping clear approaching the home turn.

“He’s been showing plenty at home so it’s good to see him do that raceday,” said Waldron, who trains the gelding for his mother, Sharon.

Waldron indicated he would be interested in starting Ujumpijump in the inaugural Taranaki event in which the starters run for each of 14 slot-holders. The race is confined to maiden horses as at June 1 this year.

“He’s qualified for it and it would be nice if he could get a slot,” Waldron said.