Wathnan Racing’s Tumbarumba bounces back with Gr3 victory in Ack Ack Stakes at Churchill Downs

Tumbarumba (Oscar Performance), a tough 5-year-old gelding, rediscovered his best form with a determined victory in the Gr.3 Ack Ack Stakes over 1600m at Churchill Downs on Sunday, 28 September, early morning, Qatar time. This success marks the second Gr.3 win of his career and a fine response after finishing last on his previous outing at Belmont.

Trained by Brian A. Lynch, ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, and owned by Wathnan Racing, Tumbarumba displayed grit and resilience to fend off the hot favourite.

Pushed along early to secure a good position, Tumbarumba moved up to dispute the lead on the outside of Most Wanted (Candy Ride), the well-backed favourite. The pair set a strong pace in the back straight, quickly opening up a two-length advantage over the rest of the field. Entering the final bend, the two leaders went further clear, with the favourite travelling slightly the better of the pair.

However, once in the straight, Tumbarumba rallied bravely. Inside the final 200m, he dug deep, finding extra under pressure to edge ahead and defeat Most Wanted by three-quarters of a length. Indispensable (Constitution) stayed on to finish third.

Bred by Coteau Grove Farms LLC, Tumbarumba is out of Naive Enough (Street Sense), a dual winner over a mile on dirt at two and fourth in a Gr.2 over the same trip at that age. She is a daughter of Light From Above (A.P. Indy), a winner over a mile at three. Naive Enough is also a full sister to Light The City (Street Sense), runner-up in a Gr.1 over a mile on dirt and third in a Gr.3 over a mile at three.