IBLE’S DEBUTANTE WINS AT “SPECIAL PLACE”

JOE Ible had an interesting story to tell after returning to a “special place” at Moruya on Friday.

The Kembla Grange trainer scored with a debutante, who cost only $2000 as a weanling, at the same track where he had his first winner.

Teepee Princess, a three-year-old daughter of American Pharoah, caused a surprise in taking the Maiden Handicap (1200m) at $31.

But the American Pharoah filly won’t follow the same path as Ible’s former gelding Run Pat Run, who also was at double figure odds ($13) when he was successful over the same course and distance, ridden by then Hawkesbury apprentice and now trainer Claire Lever, on May 18, 2013.

“Run Pat Run was also my first ever starter at Kembla Grange the previous December,” Ible recalled today.

“He was sold just after winning his Maiden at Moruya, and was exported to Malaysia and renamed Run With The Risk.”

Teepee Princess had another female apprentice, Claire Ramsbotham, in the saddle when she gave her trainer his 10th success this season and career 129th.

“I thought she could finish Top 5, but probably didn’t expect her to win,” Ible said.

“Teepee Princess has been a slow maturer and is still learning.

“That was a nice way to begin her racing career.

“She began well, trailed the two leaders and was too good in the run home.

“It was an excellent debut.”

Teepee Princess defeated $9 chance McTominay and Rubilace ($8.50) to pick up the $13,950 first prize.

Ible’s filly is the second foal of the former New Zealand mare Queen Of Zealand (by Savabeel), who raced only six times for a minor placing at Warrnambool.

Her first foal Pharoah’s Daughter, a full sister to Teepee Princess, broke through on the Pakenham synthetic track in June last year.

Teepee Princess’ victory was the second time in a week that Ible and Ramsbotham had combined to win with a three-year-old filly.

Playful Puzzle ($3.10), a daughter of Rubick, broke through in a 1460m Maiden Plate at Queanbeyan last Saturday.

Fellow provincial trainers Tracey Bartley (Wyong) and Scott Aspery (Newcastle) also were successful at the corresponding Tamworth meeting on Friday.

Bartley took the 2YO Handicap (1000m) with Song For Rosie ($3.60), and Aspery landed the Super Maiden Plate (1400m) with $3.10 favorite Spandex.

Pariah filly Song For Rosie was Bartley’s eighth winner this season, and the same stallion also sired three-year-old Spandex, Aspery’s third winner this season.

Story John Curtis, June 28, 2025 - Pics Bradley Photos