For Cape Bridgewater-based Scott Blacksell it had been a case of redeeming himself in the latest charity-based Tara Tipsters competition which had been run in support of the Visually Impaired Club of Mount Gambier.

Blacksell has been a regular member of the Tara Tipsters since its inception several years ago and went close to achieving ultimate bragging rights in the previous series for the Ryder-Cheshire Foundation. But in that instance he had fallen at the final jump.

There was a touch of irony surrounding the 19-meeting Visually Impaired Club series – Blacksell leading the way with 31 points after the first round back on Thursday, December 5. In equal second spot was his partner, Jude Tait, on 29 points.

But at the conclusion of the second round Tait had found the front and with the exception of a couple of meetings when losing the lead to her partner she was still in front come round 16.

This time, though, it was Tait who fell at the final jump, Blacksell securing bragging rights both at home and at the track when relegating her to second spot – eight points in arrears.

He’s been a generous supporter of what he sees as worthwhile causes at the Mount Gambier track. Several years ago, after the kennel house had been renovated, he had donated a new clothes dryer for the race rugs.

And in 2019 he secured the major sponsorship of Fairthorne Forestry for the Group Listed Mount Gambier Cup (512 m) won that year by Robert Chuck and Steve Bartholomew’s Galactic Athena.

When Kevin “KD” Douglas introduced “Catch for Cash” – the forerunner of the Tara Tipsters – Blacksell stepped in and donated $50 to the charity jar every time one of his greyhounds in Rooster or Worms Are Biting were successful at Tara Raceway.

Later, he stepped up again when pledging $100 to the Tara Tipsters charity jar every time Mocambora Mia won at Tara Raceway during the Mia Powell series.

By Superior Panama out of Sweet On Me, Mocambora Mia was purchased as a pup by Blacksell from Allendale East breeder-owner-trainer David Peckham who is currently training the brindle bitch for the owner who is recovering from a hip operation.

A winner of eight races, Mocambora Mia has turned out to be good value as far as the Tara Tipsters charity jar is concerned. And Blacksell’s contribution has been much appreciated.

Meanwhile, at Warrnambool last Thursday night, Mocambora Mia’s younger half-brother, Bourne Lickety, scored an impressive win in a mixed 6/7 grade over 450 metres.

Owned and trained by Peckham, the son of Feral Franky made a real mess of his opposition when leading all the way from box four for a six length win in 25.38 seconds.

And his litter sister Bourne Model also ran a terrific race when running home well for a 1½ length second behind Sweet Valentine in a grade five event over 390 metres in a personal time of 21.97 seconds.

Also trained by Peckham, the black bitch is raced by the trainer in partnership with Kevin Douglas, Kev Patzel and Christine Yourgules.