3 minute read

Shirley Berger had an amazing introduction to racing with Red Eagle winning the 2014 Devonport Cup in only her second season as a trainer.

The likeable owner-trainer from Stowport has not tasted success at that level since, but she is hoping another as good as Red Eagle finds its way into her stable.

Bell Ringer Boy has taken time to mature but if he can continue to reproduce the form he showed in Launceston last Sunday to win a class 1 over 1620m, he might measure up when Shirley Berger finally gets him out to the Devonport Cup distance (1880m).

Bell Ringer Boy powered home from well back to win comfortably on Sunday and while both his wins and minor placings have been in Launceston, Berger says he also manages the Devonport synthetic.

"I'd like to think he could progress to a Devonport Cup, but he has a fair way to go before we can start talking seriously about that race being a target," Berger said.

"I know he's only won or placed at Mowbray, but he goes just as well on the synthetic, it's just that he hasn't had much luck on that track.

"He is a nice horse that has taken a while to mature but I am fairly sure he can go on with it from here."

Berger must juggle training with her full-time job with the Tasmanian Fire Service.

"I've managed to do both without it causing any conflict but there is nothing better than riding my horses of a morning and seeing them improve as they progress through their campaigns on the racetrack."