Launceston Cup 2018 result: Weir-trained Bondeiger wins, ridden by Bayliss

Weir broke a frustrating run of bad luck in Northern Tasmania’s premier race when Big Duke was successful in 2017 and was back in the winner’s stall on Wednesday with Bondeiger.

Ridden by gun young Victorian jockey Regan Bayliss, Bondeiger came from fourth-last in a capacity field and broke the track record while scoring by a half length from local stayer Fastnet Dragon with Hobart Cup winner Pretty Punk a length away third.

The winner’s stablemate Andrea Mantegna ran fourth.

Bondeiger was runner-up in 2014 Victoria Derby and valued at a $1 million as a stud prospect before losing all form.

He later switched to the Weir stable and it was that change of environment that senior part-owner Laurence Eales credited for the horse’s resurrection.

“I think it was the country atmosphere up among the gum trees,” Eales said.

“Plus the fact that he was working on deep sand.

“He went a long time (more than three years) with no wins and now he’s won three in a row.”

Eales said that his “six or eight” co-owners deserved to be rewarded for staying loyal.

“A couple have dropped out, as they always do, but the others have stuck with me,” the owner said.

Eales has been racing horses since 2002 with plenty of success. He owned Melbourne Cup winner Shocking and dual group 1 winner Whobegotyou.

“It’s good to get another group race winner,” he said.

Bayliss, who was riding at Mowbray for only the second time, praised Weir for “turning out the horse in terrific order.

“I’m just the lucky one who got the ride and I’m happy to have got the job done,” he said.

“Tasmania has been good to our family because my brother Jake did a lot of riding here early in his apprenticeship.”

Bayliss has been riding in outstanding form with his recent wins including the group 1 Lightning Stakes at Flemington 12 days ago.