$500 purchase proving to be well worth it

A cheap purchase is proving a whole heap of fun for first-time harness racing owner Phil Smith and hobby trainer Ben Gledhill.

The pair race Kellys Ideal, a well-travelled gelding that had 11 different trainers before finally ending up at Gledhill’s Kialla stables.

Kellys Ideal.

And since arriving there, the seven-year-old has certainly paid his way. He kicked off for Gledhill with a fourth placing at Cranbourne on November 28, then picked up victory at Shepparton on December 23 before producing a runner-up effort at Melton last week.

The performances have banked well over $3000 for connections, who are loving the ride with the son of Western Ideal.

ā€œWe only paid $500 for him so it’s worked out pretty good,ā€ Gledhill told SEN Track’s Trots Life this week.

ā€œWe’ve really enjoyed it and we’re happy with the way the horse is hitting the line.

ā€œHe seems to be growing in confidence and it really does help (with) the condition he came in. It does make it a lot easier. And for small trainers like myself, we don’t race a lot so when we do get a bit of success, I think we do enjoy it a bit more than most…ā€

Kellys Ideal will have his fourth start for Gledhill this Friday evening at Melton where he will have to overcome a back row draw to win the Nevele R Stud Pace. Click here to view fields.

LISTEN TO GLEDHILL’S INTERVIEW WITH NIKKITA ROSS ON SEN TRACK BELOW:

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