Former jockey’s initial win as ‘trots’ trainer

HE MADE most punters quiet, but Ghostly Silence had Ricky Debono cheering loudly in Ballarat last night.

Completing an upset win at $14.80 in the final event on the card, Ghostly Silence provided Debono with his initial triumphant as a trainer.

Gaining his licence last December, the former jockey purchased Ghostly Silence from the David Murphy stable at the beginning of the season to pursue a hobby.

“Many years ago I rented a farm house where Michael Stanley was training from and helped him a little, but that was as far as I went and was the last time I had anything to do with standardbreds,” Debono said.

“I was a jockey for many years but started to get too heavy and began a business as a farrier.

“I’ve always had an interest in harness racing, so I decided to get my trainer’s licence and train one as a hobby.

“My work won’t allow me time enough to do it properly with more than one horse, but I’m really enjoying it.”

With Ash Warton in the cart, Ghostly Silence was eased towards the tail of the field from his outside of the front draw before being sent forward to test the leader, Joy Mac, from the ‘death seat’.

Forging his way to the front along the back straight, the son of Jet Laag dashed to an eight-metre win from Searover.

Coledonian Terror was four metres away third in 1:57 over 1700 metres.

“I’ve ridden quite a few winners as a jockey, but what a thrill to win with a standardbred as a trainer,” Debono said.

“His track work had been solid and he did well to finish third at his previous start, so I was reasonably confident with him.

“There is a race for him in Cranbourne coming up, so that’s where he is likely to race next.”