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Celebrations after Tommy Tucker’s victory in the Gr.3 Canterbury Gold Cup at Riccarton on Saturday were a little muted by an unfortunate post-race incident.

“We had a bit of trouble when he ate some straw in the swab box and half-choked, but hopefully he’ll be alright,” said co-breeder and part-owner Brian Anderton, who trains the son of Gallant Guru with his son Shane.

“He’s going out for a good spell now anyway and we’ll get him back again – he’s coming up to nine, but he doesn’t know that.”

Tommy Tucker’s success in the Coca-Cola-sponsored event capped an excellent campaign for the gelding, who had previously posted Listed wins in the Timaru and Easter Cups and finished runner-up in the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Handicap.

The chestnut was ridden as usual on Saturday by Anderton’s grandson Jacob Lowry and he brought the horse with a well-timed finish from back in the field.

“It’s a great win and a nice ride and the horse has never let anyone down,” Anderton said.

“It’s been a kind race to us. We won it twice with Inferno and Burton, Random Chance and Flight Point won it.

“Dozen Roses, who I owned and leased out to my friend, the late Ned Thistoll, also won it and she was by Random Chance.”

Tommy Tucker won the latest edition of the Cup by a long head from Bloodstream and they finished clear of Benzini and Saint Kitt.