It’s been just over a year since young trainer Embroja-Lee Altieri experienced her best moment in racing and she’s desperate to relive those memories again.
The location: Albany. The race: the inaugural Bluff Knoll. The horse: Gemma’s Son.
When Gemma’s Son held out favourite Oscar’s Fortune to score an upset win in Albany’s first slot race it was a racing moment that Lee-Altieri would never wipe from her memory.
New trainer, favourite horse, first win, it was a fairytale start to her fledgling training career, stepping out of the shadows after going about her business quietly behind the scenes with long-time mentor, David Harrison.
In a magnanimous gesture that gave her training career a big kick along, Harrison gifted Gemma’s Son to Lee Altieri after the Snippetson gelding won eight races including a Perth Magic Millions double under his direction.
Gemma’s Son has not reached the same winning heights as the Bluff Knoll, but Lee Altieri remains confident the seven-year-old has another feature win left in him, beginning with next month’s Listed Beaufine Stakes (1000m).
After two warm up trials, fresh, first up and on rain affected tracks, Lee Altieri expects Gemma’s Son to create an impact.
She’d love to relive the same emotional high as the Bluff Knoll once again.
I don’t think there will be anything like the Bluff Knoll,” Lee Altieri said to Racing WA.
“Just being the first one and the way he won.
“The whole weekend was just a blur.
“I love all my horses, but he’s very special to me.
“For him to be my first winner was a fairytale.”
Gemma’s Son ticked the final box ahead of his winter campaign with a sharp trial win.
Without being fully tested by jockey Lucy Fiore, he cruised to the line under his own steam in a solid hit out.
Lee Altieri’s focus is now firmly fixed on the Beaufine Stakes on July 5.
“He went super,” Lee Altieri said.
“He had a little hit out with our apprentice two weeks ago but today (Monday) was a bit more of a hit out.
“He’s had foot problems, and the plan all along has been to bring him back for the softer tracks.
“I might be a bit biased but I’m confident that he will go close first up.
“He’s definitely well in himself and is showing no signs of slowing down.
“He still loves his work and is really happy.
“His gallops at home have been very good.”
Gemma's Son, a $20,000 yearling, has returned $1.3 million to his owners.
He ran second to Nerodio in the 2021 edition of the Beaufine Stakes.
Julio Santarelli