50 training wins for the Whites

It’s onwards and upwards for the father-son combination of Brent and Tim White who brought up their 50th harness racing success together at Rangiora on Sunday.

The Ashburton-based partnership won earlier in the day with impressive debutant Clonakilty (Downbytheseaside) and then secured the milestone victory with My Friend Louie (Sweet Lou).

“It was good to get a couple! They were both very good,” says Tim White.

As well as Tim bringing up his first 50 with his father, Brent also has 211 wins on his own account since starting out in the early 1990s.

In race 4, the Anne Thompson Graduation series Heat 4, Clonakilty settled towards the rear of the field over the 2000m journey. O’Reilly was able to flush out a three wide train around the 1100m, gradually working closer to the speed, before having to come four wide from the 550m. O’Reilly steadied him around the final bend before breezing past to win by just over two lengths.

“We bought him not long ago off Danny McKendry after Sarah (O’Reilly) drove him at the trials one day. But time has been his friend. It looks like he will go on and do a nice wee job for the owners. Most of the syndicate members are new to the game, so it’s bloody good.”

Clonakilty, who was unbeaten in trials and workouts leading into his debut, will be set for the Anne Thompson Graduation Final at Rangiora on May 19th.

It was then My Friend Louie in race 8, the Diesel Tech Machinery Mobile Pace, with driver Kimberly Butt, that gave White his 50th win.

My Friend Louie came off the barrier arm steadily before working forward to find the lead from around the mile. From there, Butt and My Friend Louie wouldn’t be denied as they coasted up the straight holding off all challengers to win by one and three quarter lengths.

“He did a good job to do what he did yesterday. His last 400m was his best 400m of the race. He did it easily enough,” says Tim White.

It was My Friend Louie’s second win in seven starts.

“He loves to run good even sectionals and was able to capitalise on that.”

This is the White’s third season in partnership, and his goals are pretty simple.

“It’ll be good to just keep training winners. We have another busy week this week!”

For complete race results, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand