Gemma’s Son sprints to memorable Bluff Knoll triumph in Albany for new trainer and RAM Racing Syndicate

Gemma’s Son handed new trainer Embroja-Lee Altieri a moment she will never forget and the RAM Racing Syndicate more slot race success after an upset win in the inaugural Bluff Knoll in Albany on Sunday. Running in the slot for the RAM Racing Syndicate, Gemma’s Son settled second to early leader Acromantula and then sprinted home powerfully in the straight to skip clear of $2.30 favourite Oscar’s Fortune. The result gave Altieri a fairytale start to her career, her first win coming in the $357,060 Wellington & Reeves Bluff Knoll (1099m) with the gifted horse. Altieri, 26, was in tears as the beloved six-year-old, formerly trained by David Harrison, crossed the line first to spark jubilation for the RAM Racing Syndicate. “About 100m out it was beginning to feel really real,” she said. “When he won I cried like a big baby. “I love that horse and I’ve ridden him since he was broken in … he’s always been my favourite so it was really nice that he was my first winner, very fitting. “I was a bit surprised David let me train Gemma’s Son but I guess he was rewarding all of my hard work that I’ve done for seven years. “Dave’s been a really good mentor and a really good boss … it was really nice to get this win for him as an owner in such a big race.” Gemma’s Son finished seventh in the listed Scenic Blast Stakes (1200m) at his first start for Altieri before having a 43-day freshen up. The RAM Racing Syndicate won the first edition of the $4m The Quokka at Ascot with Overpass and also held a slot in the $20m The Everest in Sydney with the same horse. The group already has plans on returning to the Bluff Knoll next year to defend their crown. Gemma’s Son ($15) was expertly ridden by jockey Shaun McGruddy on his comeback from a six-week suspension for racial abuse. The Dion Luciani-trained Oscar’s Fortune started awkwardly but ran home strongly to finished second, beaten more than a length with Brad Parnham in the saddle. Laced Up Heels ($8.50) for jockey Chris Parnham and trainer Luke Fernie produced a brilliant finish, coming from 12th on the home turn to grab third while Saloon Bar ($18) was fourth after sitting midfield in the run. Beads ($31) was the best of the local runners, finishing eighth for Wolfe and hoop Natasha Faithfull. The well-fancied Red Can Man ($4.60) lost ground at the start, settled well back in the field and raced wide before finishing 10th. The first ever field in the Bluff Knoll was reduced to 12 runners after Some Sort, for slot holders Inswing Sports Bar, was scratched on Sunday morning by co-trainers Chris and Michael Gangemi with a foot abscess.