Big win for Crusher Collins

Mataura harness racing trainer Lyndon Bond hit the big time when Crusher Collins won the first race at Addington on Friday.

“It was awesome. She got a good run and finished it off well. It’s a magical day coming to Show Day and getting a win like this,” Bond said.

Crusher Collins and Sam Ottley (green breast plate) coming down the middle of the track – Picture Race Images

Driver Sam Ottley settled the mare back beyond midfield and got a nice drag inside the last 500 metres behind Idle Stuartia, wearing down pacemaker Trixton Time to win by a neck.

The winning time was 2-26.2 (mile rate of 1-58.8).

Bond and Ottley have formed a formidable winning combination in recent seasons, and since the beginning of the 2020 season Ottley has driven eleven of Bond’s sixteen winners.

“She’s been bloody brilliant.”

Crusher Collins has been staying at Jamie Gameson’s Burnham property whilst she’s been in Canterbury. Because she required a trial to obtain a clearance for a standing start Crusher Collins was taken to the Methven Workouts on Saturday.

“She stood at the start and wouldn’t move so we started her in a mobile later in the day. She led and won, and Jamie said she felt brilliant. We’ve also had the blacksmith that looks after Mark (Purdon) and Natalie’s (Rasmussen) horses to see her because she was getting onto a knee. He changed her shoes around in front and she trotted a whole lot better today.”

Consequently after the trial and with the adjustments to her footwear, Bond had some confidence for today’s race.

“She was jumping out of her skin at Jamie’s. We were confident but you can never be too confident on race day.”

Bred by Bevan and Keith Grice, and raced on lease by Lyndon his wife Aimee and mother Colleen, Crusher Collins has been at Bonds since she was a foal.

“She’s always been a growly old girl, and a bit cantankerous. She’s been stood down a couple of times from standing starts, so the mobile suited today.”

The new season from January 1^st will the last one for Bond as Crusher Collins will return to her owners.

“Next year she goes to stud, and we’ve worked out a deal with Keith and Bevan to get the first foal out of her. I’ve suggested we go to What The Hill but Bevan and Keith get to decide where she goes to.”

by Bruce Stewart