Donny Do extends great family record

Retired Invercargill plumber Trevor Ryder has had a great run with the progeny of Star Of The Ball and the mare’s record was extended today when Donny Do (Sweet Lou) cleared maiden ranks.

After the early rush, trainer driver Kirstin Green settled the three year old off the pace. When stablemate Shergar improved, Green hopped onto his back and after 200 metres was left parked.

After the leaders turned in, Donny Do was up challenging pacemaker Mighty Miki and these two fought out a tight finish with Donny Do winning by a neck.

DONNY DO REPLAY

“He was waiting for horses to come off his back and he just loses concentration. He only got there by a neck but there was plenty more in the tank. I had to let him go that last little bit to get his nose in front,” Green said.

“He’s a lovely horse with a lot of ability but he’s a bit immature in the brain. He can panic at times and that’s why you have to sit quietly and hold on because he can jump out of his gear. He’s getting better and is going out for a good spell now. I think he’ll come back a nice horse. He’s not looking as good as he did early on and he just needs time to mature.”

Star Of The Ball was bought by Ryder as a yearling with the help of Peter Lagan, Sandy Yardley and Gareth Dixon.

As a three year old she won four of her eighteen starts including a heat of the Nevele R Fillies Series at Ashburton, running the 1609 metres in 1-56.1. However competition that season was tough with the likes of Foreal, Molly Darling and Mainland Banner.

At the end of her racing career Star Of The Ball had won eight races. At stud she’s left twelve foals of racing age and all have won races, including Ball Of Art (11) Times Stride (9) Merv (8), Macha (8), McArdle Star (7), Maverick Star (5) and Swamp Major (5).

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink