Monday, 20 November 2017: A trainer never giving up on his horse has a familiar ring to it and for Zyg Garsztka it’s no different with his pride and joy, Cop A Nip.

Chasing their third straight win on the comeback trail, Cop A Nip is well fancied in betting markets in the Benchmark 60 (1425m) at Moruya on Tuesday.
Cop A Nip was officially retired early in 2016, but through Garsztka’s belief his old mate was worth another try he has put together two impressive wins.
“It’s a long time since I have had a horse in a position to win three races in a row,” Garsztka said.
“He has drawn badly, but I think he is better off being out a bit wide where he has less chance of having an impeded run.”
Cop A Nip was bought purely by sight and not pedigree by his trainer who also shares in the ownership.
The galloper has won five of his 33 starts, but this time in has put together wins at Canberra and the Sapphire Coast with apprentice jockey Chelsea McFarlane in the saddle.
Stepping up in the weights to 60.5 kilograms and with no claim for McFarlane means Cop A Nip will rise in the weights by four kilograms on his last run.
“He is badly in at the weights, but the horse has never been going better,” Garsztka said.
Cop A Nip’s return to training was purely through Garsztka’s belief the gelding was worth another try after having a lengthy spell.
“He was fairly lame when he went out in the paddock and it was found he had an abscess which took a long time to work its way out of his hoof,” he said.
“The owners decided to give him another go and if he went lame at any stage that would be it.
“He has been fine since he came into work and it’s satisfying to see him win two in a row so far.”
If Cop A Nip can take it one win further it would mean a lot to his trainer who prepared another horse to win three straight in the 1980s.
The turnaround in Cop A Nip’s form line is a combination of a few things, according to Garsztka.
“His soreness has gone and the horse has always had ability,” he said.
“He is the perfect horse for a hobby trainer like myself to have.
“Nothing is a problem with him and if he can win again it would be very satisfying for a battling trainer like myself.
“I have been in the game for a long time and this horse is the reason why I get up and enjoy what I do each day.”