Jockey Shaun McGruddy adds to impressive Albany record with victory in first edition of Bluff Knoll slot race

In his first meeting back from a lengthy suspension, senior jockey Shaun McGruddy added another big Albany feature race to his impressive record on Sunday. Gemma’s Son upstaged his rivals to win the inaugural Bluff Knoll, Albany’s lucrative slot race over 1099m that was initiated after the success of Sydney’s The Everest and Perth’s The Quokka. Running for the RAM Racing Syndicate, Gemma’s Son burst clear in the home straight to beat Oscar’s Fortune and Laced Up Heels and claim country WA’s richest race. Gemma’s Son ($15) was expertly ridden by McGruddy, who is no stranger to Percy Spencer Racecourse. McGruddy returned from a six-week suspension for racial abuse and Albany’s feature race card was his first meeting back in the saddle since the controversy. Normally riding for Steve Wolfe, who had two runners in the race, McGruddy instead partnered Gemma’s Son who collected the $150,000 prize money for winning connections. “The first of anything, a new innovation like this is always good to win,” he said. “It’s good for me personally, I’ve ridden down here a lot, gone leading rider six times, won a couple of Albany cups, a couple of Fitzpatrick plates and now I can add the Bluff Knoll to it. “The forced lay-off was unfortunate but to win a race like that is a good confidence booster.” McGruddy paid credit to trainer Embroja-Lee Altieri for having the horse primed in top order. “I always felt like he was going to win the race,” McGruddy said. “Oscar’s Fortune could have troubled him if he was more fit, it was well publicised that he was a bit underdone. “That played in our favour so did barrier one, a great training effort because he’s had a few runs already and thought might have been a bit sharp for him but Emma trained him to perfection getting him nice and fresh for the 1099.” RAM Racing Syndicate member Stuart Campbell said they elected to use Gemma’s Son in their slot after the recommendation from McGruddy. “We had a few horses in mind,” Campebll said. “We were having a look at best 1100m horse and form preceding the Bluff Knoll and Gemma’s Son was high on the list. “Speaking to Shooter (McGruddy) and asking him for his opinion, he gave it the thumbs up and we can’t be any happier.”