Family fun with dual-code dabble

Harness racing trainers trying their hand at preparing gallopers is not so unusual – but Melton trainer Paul Gabriel is doing the “dual-code” a little differently.

And Gabriel admits that some days are “pretty hectic” on a 116-acre property which is home to both standardbreds and greyhounds.

“It’s a family affair and we’ve all got our jobs to do. There’s three trotters in work at the moment, along with probably 20 greyhounds,” Gabriel said.

“My wife Freda helps out a lot. Our sons George and Peter are always here whenever they can and lend a hand. We all enjoy it, particularly when some winners bob up.”

Gabriel said there was also talk at one stage of trying some gallopers.

“It was unanimous decision that perhaps we wouldn’t take them on because we had enough on our plate,” he laughed.

And the family is all smiles at the moment after talented, but sometimes wayward four-year-old trotter Aldebaran Stevie got her act together to win again earlier this week.

Aldebaran Stevie (Yield Boko-Im Sonialeelee (Malabar Maple) started $2.50 favorite and looked impressive in taking out the TAB Long May We Play Trot at Melton on Tuesday afternoon.

Driven a treat by freelance reinsman Ross Payne, the mare settled in the one-one sweet seat and when popped the question turning for home, trotted to the line strongly to score easily.

“She’s got ability that’s for sure. But there’s a few things going on in her head. Scoring up and going away with the rest of the field is the number one problem and it’s become a bad habit,” Gabriel said.

“We’ve been sending her around in the trials for practice. She just got into her spot the other day so she might be improving. We’ve been very patient and there’s been lots of tipping her out for a spell and then bringing her back in.

“All the good ones seem to have a few problems early days so we’re hoping!”

Aldebaran Stevie, raced by George, has now had two wins and six placings from 19 starts for $14,660.

The family is preparing two other trotters in Aldebaran Sunrose, who is ready to race, as well as a two-year-old.

“We do like the square-gaiters, but we really haven’t got a preference for them, that’s just the way it’s turned out at the moment,” Gabriel said.

Gabriel has been in harness racing since 1981, and the interest in greyhounds with son Peter began about 15 years ago.

“I got involved in the trots when I got to know former trainer-driver Don Meredith. He insisted that I should get my licence and I won a couple of races with the first horse I had in Kangaroo Way,” he said.

“While I enjoyed driving, I’m a bit heavier now so we’re happy to use Ross Payne, Greg Sugars or Darby McGuigan.”

The family connection to greyhounds began when Peter got a “freebie”.

“She won a few for us and then we got a pup. It’s just gone on from there. They are a lot easier to do than horses because there’s not the work involved. But there’s not much money unless you get a good one and compete in the big races,” Gabriel said.

“We landed a winning double at a Sandown greyhound meeting about six months ago so that was a big thrill.”

By Terry Gange for Harnesslink