Chelsea’s win almost a decade in the making

A journey of frustration, patience and many things in between came to a truly uplifting conclusion during the opening race at Swan Hill on Wednesday evening.

Shark Slayer (Four Starzzz Shark) had tested every bit of harness racing trainer Chelsea Wills’ resolve throughout the past decade, but ensured the countless hours of hard work were not in vain when he scored a photo finish victory on debut as an eight-year-old.

Wills’ husband Laurie was at the controls as the son of Four Starzzz Shark came with a three-wide run in the last lap and grabbed Bilum right on the post to take out the Ride High @ Alabar Vicbred Maiden Pace.

It was a remarkable result for Wills, who had not had a starter at the races since July of 2017 before Shark Slayer’s long-awaited appearance.

“As a two-year-old, he was going around nicely in his hopples and I thought I’m not going to rush him because his brothers took time,” she said.

“We fast-worked him a couple of times and Laurie said to me: ‘you want to name him pretty quick, he’s a nice horse’

“So I did, and as soon as I named him it went downhill from there.

“He’s had that many issues…”

Those issues have included tendon injuries and back problems, with Wills admitting she even “sacked” Shark Slayer earlier this year and began preparing him for a career under saddle.

“He wasn’t that nice to ride. He tripped a lot and I thought that no one is going to want to buy him, so back in work he went,” she said with a laugh.

“It was just a relief (on Wednesday). I was just happy to get him to the track.

“Even coming up to the race after the process of putting in the nom, is he going to hold together? Are we going to make it? To come off with the win, I can’t believe it.”

Wills, who bred and owns Shark Slayer with her parents, spoke about the horse’s journey during a brilliant interview with Toby McKinnon on SENTrack’s TrotsLife. You can listen to the full chat with the podcast below.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tim O’Connor for Harness Racing Victoria