The win was particularly special for the 25-year-old, who has had just six starters in recent months since gaining his trainer’s license and currently has two horses in the stable.
“She was the last horse my father bred before he passed away, and that’s where the name comes from,” Elliott explained.
“And she is probably the first one I was involved with in terms of breeding.”
Donning the black and gold colors of his late grandfather Garry Elliott, the triumph took on extra significance.
“It was so good to see them get a win too,” he said.
Starting from barrier one in the first event for 3-year-old fillies over 2185 metres, Harper put Luck From Above behind the leader before making full use of the sprint track in the closing stages to score by a short half head on Ultimate Sass in a thrilling finish.
LUCK FROM ABOVE REPEAT
Despite the result, Elliott admitted confidence was not high ahead of Monday’s race.
“She was very difficult to gauge. I mean, I was confident she would produce something similar to her last Pinjarra run, but I just wasn’t too sure what she was going to produce.”
Encouraged by Maryann White, Elliott decided to take out his coaching license this season. In addition to Luck From Above, he also rents Be Home Soon from Craig Hynam.
“My work schedule gives me enough flexibility to manage them between me and my partner, and rather than have someone else do it and cost ourselves, we thought we might as well make a joke about it,” Elliott said.
“Plus a lot of pressure from Maryann White saying we just have to try.”
Elliott started racing in 2022 and has five wins to his name, but recently returned from a nearly year-long break following shoulder surgery.
“She’s just a very difficult horse to handle and deal with, so it makes it easier for someone else to ride. Plus, it’s helpful to get another opinion if you’re having some issues. Kyle Harper has been quite helpful with his input on her.”
Looking ahead, Elliott has yet to nail down Luck From Above’s next start, originally eyeing a new first event next week.
“I think she has learned a lot in terms of her racing manners, so there is definitely improvement on the way.”
For full race results, click here.
Through Ashleigh Paikos for RWA
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