Sadhana has new owners doing handstands

Southland harness racing trainer Aaron Swain gets a thrill out of training winners for new owners because he knows they're the future of the industry.

The win by Sadhana today for owners Hayden Stronach, Connor Hillis, Shane Stronach and Scott Leader all started with a phone call from one of Swain's good mates. 

"One of my mates said he he had some workmates who were keen on getting into a horse. The All Age Sales were the next day," Swain who shares in the ownership said.

He bought the Western Ideal filly which is out of the In The Pocket mare Gem Power, for $4,200 and since then she's been the apple of her new owners' eyes.  

"They come to see her once a week in the paddock and give her a pat. They've never owned a horse in their lives and hardly ever went to the races until this girl came along. They're probably the best bunch of owners you could have. They pay you the day after you send the bill. They all come to every single workout and trial."

Happy Faces with Judy Pangiotidis (Lady In Red) who's just retired after 32 years
serving drinks at Ascot Park      – Photo Bruce Stewart.

Gem Power won once, and at stud left Ideal Power which won four races which included two heats of the Nevele R Fillies Series.

Sadhana qualified at Central Southland Raceway in September last year and according to Swain has taken time to mature. 

"She didn't show me too much early but she turned a corner and has got better as we've gone on. She'll get better with more racing." 

For most of the race driver Nathan Williamson had Sadhana parked and at the end of the 2200 metres under a hard drive she toughed it out to beat Divine Justice by a neck.

Bruce Stewart
Soutland Harness Racing