Stable quinella at Ashburton for Davis-Nyhan

The outstanding recent harness racing form of Madeline Stowe (Monkey Bones) has come at cost to Peter Davis.

But the veteran horseman would be the last person to complain about it.

Davis and partner Margo Nyhan produced the quinella in race 9 at Ashburton on Sunday.

Madeline Stowe relished a step back in class when scoring for Ricky May, with Davis driving Kink into second placing.

Madeline Stowe also won Addington in March, with May also doing the driving.

With Davis sitting on 498 wins he could have reached 500 wins in New Zealand had he kept up his combination with the mare.

But the reinsman was more than happy with Sunday’s result.

“I have just been trying to let the 500 slip under the radar.”

“It was quite funny, when we were talking about who was going to drive who Margo said I should drive Kink.”

“It looked quite a good race for Madeline Stowe, so I said don’t you want me to get to 500.”

“But seriously, it was great to get the quinella.”

“It was a step back from what she had been racing, Madeline Stowe, and it was great she could get the job done.”

“The other fella went a pretty good race, too.”

MADELINE STOWE REPLAY

Sunday’s victory was career win number 13 for Madeline Stowe.

With 23 placings, she’s compiling a record in the territory of the Nyhan stable favourite Sarah Palin.

“She has done a super job over the years and has withstood the test of time,” Davis said.

“Touch wood – she is pretty sound – she went through a period where she had a few feet troubles.”

“Probably this time a year ago, but she has been great lately.”

Kink’s second placing suggests he is closing in on another win after adjusting to stepping out of the maiden grade.

The trotter has been a surprise package for the Nyhan barn after he was taken on, a little reluctantly.

“He was just a cheap purchase off gavelhouse and to be honest we tried to talk the owner out of buying him because he had been with Sean McCaffery and Matt Purvis,” Davis said.

“They are good trainers and we didn’t think we could do anything more with him.”

“He’s not the best gaited horse, but his gait is getting a lot better, he has improved out of sight.”

As for Davis’ 500-win milestone, the reinsman isn’t getting too excited about the prospect but he will be pleased to tick it off when the time comes.

“The juniors do it in about three years these days, but for us it takes a lifetime.”

“One of the young fellas did it before Christmas and I said you will probably get your next hundred before I get to 500.”

“When we were juniors if you got 10 wins in a year you had a good year.”

“But the game has changed a lot since then.”

“In saying that, I will be pleased to drive 500 winners when it comes.”

With his time in North America, Davis has driven well over 500 winners in his career, but the reinsman just needs two more victories to compete the feat in New Zealand.

For complete race results, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand