Dee scores home victory

 Melbourne jockey Mick Dee made a winning return to his homeland on Wednesday when he rode Calvaria to victory in the Cambridge Equine Hospital 1550 at Cambridge for his parents Richard and Jo Dee.

The filly is trained by Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray, who recorded a winning double on the card, having been victorious in the opening race with Samina Bibi.

Dee is back in New Zealand to visit friends and family and took the opportunity to get in the saddle to ride for his parents.

“It was great getting the win today, especially for my parents,” Dee said. “They own the horse, so they are the reason why I am here riding her.”

Calvaria is the only horse Dee has partnered since he has been in New Zealand, with his priority being spending time with his family at their farm in Hawke’s Bay, which he shares in the ownership with his parents.

“It has been great being back home for a month to see the family and have a bit of a holiday,” he said.

“I spent a weekend in Taupo, which was good, and I have been enjoying my time at home.”

Harris makes winning return

Troy Harris made a winning return at Cambridge on Wednesday when guiding the Clinton Isdale-trained Is That So to a 1-1/4 length victory in the Kingsclere Stables 970.

The 34-year-old jockey took a break from riding on raceday late last spring to give his body a well-deserved break.

Harris said he has got back on top of his weight and is enjoying being back out on the track.

“The body just needed a bit of a break from wasting, so I had a few months off and got the weight down,” Harris said.

“When the body says I need a break, I just have a break.

“I rode 57.5kg today so that is good at this time of year for me.

“I will just keep ticking along at that weight until spring time and then start going a bit lower.”

Harris was impressed with the performance of Is That So, who made it back-to-back wins on the polytrack surface on Wednesday.

“He is a nice horse,” Harris said. “He is pretty promising the way he won. He won there (Cambridge) last time so he looks like he is going places that horse.”