Trainer Tony Pike was delighted to pick up a victory with his only runner at Tauranga on Saturday but it was made even more special by the winning rider he had aboard.
Chad Ormsby guides Divine Dive to victory at Tauranga to record his first win in the saddle for more than eight years Photo: Race Images Kenton Wright
Four-year-old Sacred Falls gelding Divine Dive (NZ) made it two wins from his last five starts under the stewardship of Chad Ormsby, a late replacement on the day for Michael McNab who had to forego the mount due to weight issues.
Ormsby has made a comeback to riding in June following the COVID-19 lockdown after giving it away back in April 2012, with his victory on Divine Dive being his first since he returned.
The 31-year-old Matamata horseman has spent the last eight years as a trainer, breaker and doing sales preparations under his Riverrock Farm banner. He has also made a name for himself as a bull rider of some repute on the rodeo circuit.
Ormsby’s last winner came aboard the Pike-trained Waterford (NZ) (Darci Brahma) at Te Rapa on 28 March 2012, a fact not lost on Pike as he welcomed Ormsby back to the winners’ enclosure at Tauranga.
“I’m rapt for Chad as when I was just starting to go alright as a trainer, Chad was probably my stable rider,” Pike said.
“He rode horses like Historian and Aspinal for me, although he chose the wrong year to retire as he missed out on the ride on Sacred Falls.
“He did a great job though, so I’m thrilled to be able to give him his first winner back.”
