Australian raid over for top Kiwi trotter

Majestic Man’s latest Australian raid has come to an end, with the top Kiwi squaregaiter set to return to New Zealand next week.

Caretaker trainer and regular driver Anthony Butt told thetrots.com.au that the seven-year-old was likely to board a plane next Wednesday and then commence a significant spell back in his home country.

Majestic Man’s campaign ends on somewhat of a sour note, with the gelding missing a place in the Great Southern Star Final after galloping late in his heat on Friday night.

While he dominated the Australian features during a trip in early 2021 – winning two Group 1s at Melton and another at Menangle – his latest venture returned just the one win in a heat of the Inter Dominion series. He did finish second in the ID Grand Final behind Maori Law and runner-up to Im Ready Jet in the Group 1 Maori Mile, but mixed his form at other times.

“He showed glimpses of it without recapturing his form from (early) last year,” Butt said.

For his four victories on our shores throughout 2021, Majestic Man was crowned Aged Trotting Horse/Gelding of the Year at the Australian Harness Racing Awards.

Majestic Man raced in the name of Oamaru trainer Phil Williamson during his latest trip to Australia, but was prepared by Butt and his partner Sonya Smith across the past couple of months.

The top trotter has won 19 of 71 career starts for more than $630,000 in prizemoney.

By Tim O’Connor for HRV