FIVE-year-old gelding White Tiger picked up his third career win in a MR72 Handicap on turf at the Vaal on Thursday.

White Tiger’s merit rating was raised to 76 after he won a MR70 handicap at this track in May 2013.  He’s battled to compete off that mark, earning only two place cheques since, but having dropped to 63 he was able to hold his own again, banking a healthy R46,875 for owners Rick Edmondson and Neil Gough.

White Tiger stayed on well to reward the patience of his owners with another win.

Jockey Randall Simons, who rode White Tiger into an improved fourth over a mile at Turffontein recently, felt he had made his move too soon that day.  He kept White Tiger covered behind a few others this time and only pulled him into the clear with 25om to run.  His mount plugged away gamely and finished best of all to win by half a length.

Assistant trainer Mathew de Kock thanked White Tiger’s owners for their patience.  Messers Edmondson and Gough kept the faith and left their runner in Gauteng despite possibly easier opportunities in Port Elizabeth and Mathew said: “We’re pleased to have won another race with this one. Rick and Neil are enthusiastic owners who are a pleasure to train for.

“White Tiger was in the right place today, he showed what older horses can do when their ratings drop to a level at which they have a chance of being competitive.”

Neil Gough, who had made the trip to the country course to lead in his winner, commented: “We enjoyed this win, we’re very pleased.”

White Tiger was raised at Wilgerbosdrift, a son of Tiger Ridge and a mare by Rich Man’s Gold.