Striking Rory's Jester Filly Asima Breaks Through...

Courtesy of www.racenet.com.au

Starter Billy Cooper and American Monty Roberts ('the man who listens to horses') may have had a few disagreements when Roberts was brought over to introduce new methods of loading horses, but between the two of them they have succeeded where everyone else failed.

Today at Goulburn, the Oliver Koolman trained Asima (Morgan Butler) won the Goulburn Sign Systems Handicap (1200m), only the four-year-old mare's second career start.

Asima was the bain of her trainer's life not to mention the owners, starters, barrier attendants and stewards.
"Twice she was barred and there were times when Billy Cooper would lock hands behind her and she'd be kicking out and even I wouldn't go near her and I know her!" said Koolman.

"Monty Roberts introduced her to his hallway system and it really helped her. She's a big mare and she just did not like being in a confined space. But between Monty and Billy we have now had two starts from her and a win.

"Billy Cooper and his staff have spent an enormous amount of time on her and we are very, very grateful.

"He lent me the barrier extension to take to Goulburn today and even though she still has a few issues, the fact we can now have confidence in taking her to the races, knowing she is likely to go in, is fantastic and it's down to Monty and Billy that we can do this.

"She's by Rory's Jester out of Rasmiah which is a Sadler's Wells mare and I believe with the ability we have always known she has, she'll be winning black type next preparation, " added a confident Koolman.

Asima (SP $5.50) won by a resounding four lengths from Hint Of Grae (Christian Reith) (SP $13.00), with Starspotting (Ray Silburn) (SP $4.40) two and a half lengths away third.

Asima notched a new class record of 1.12.10 for the 1200m, the final 600m in 35.63.