Love to be in her shoes

As expected, two-year-old harness racing star filly Millwood Nike (Captaintreacherous) lived up to her name when she ran her rivals off their feet in the Avon City Ford Group One $100,000 Ace of Diamonds at Addington today (Dec. 4).  

“She’s eight for eight now and to run a New Zealand record to finish off the season, she’s shown she was the best filly in the race,” elated co-trainer and driver Mark Purdon said.

Purdon settled Millwood Nike on the outside with Aardiebytheseaside (Downbytheseaside) taking up the pace making role. Heading into the last bend Purdon let his filly slide forward to get competitive with the leader. He chose to slot in behind Aardiebytheseaside which was travelling sweetly turning in.

She then showed off her brave qualities to get up and grab the leader before pulling away inside the last fifty metres to win by a length and three quarters.

The winning time of 2-20.3 was a new New Zealand record bettering the previous record of 2-21.2 recorded by Millwood Nike on Show Day.  

MILLWOOD NIKE REPLAY

The star filly is owned by Frank Endacott, Steve Byrne, Steve Thompson, Bruce Irvine and Shane Endacott.

“She’s the first real horse I have had personally and some of my partners have been in the game a long time, so I guess it’s the Midas touch really, very lucky, and to have a horse who has won eight from eight, I feel very privileged. The only reason I got involved was to spend time with my father and we have had some great trips away already that you can’t put a price on. There are some great memories already,” Shane said.

Today’s win was Millwood Nike’s eighth, a New Zealand record for the number of wins by a two-year-old filly in one season. 

The filly was bred by Katie Carville and was purchased by Mark Purdon at the 2021 NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales in Christchurch for $75,000.

“We really loved her at the yearling sales, you can’t always tell how that’s going to turn out. We were lucky enough to get her at the money we did, and she’s turned out to be a good buy. Frank and his son Shane have come on board. It’s lovely to have them in the sport, and they are getting a great thrill out of it,” Purdon said.

Millwood Nike also holds a special place in Olivia Thornley’s heart as she’s the filly’s stable carer and biggest fan.

“She’s very special. I was lucky enough to drive her for her first two wins and I’ve looked after her ever since. She proved how special she is today. She can be a little bit of a handful – she knows she’s good and does a few rears and kicks but when you’re in the cart she’s all business.

So how did the Endacotts, one of New Zealand’s well-known rugby league families handle the pressure of the big race?

“I don’t get nervous, it’s out of my control and there’s nothing I can do. Some of the other guys made visits to the toilets five minutes out from the race but I felt pretty calm,” Shane said.

For complete Grand Prix Day results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart for Harnesslink