First metropolitan double for Michael George

Michael George produced his first metropolitan harness racing double on Friday night at Gloucester Park, with stable newcomer Kimble (Western Terror) taking top spot in race two, as well as Faster Than Dad (Alta Christiano) taking out the $30,000 WestBred Winter 4YO and 5YO Restricted Classic.

Five-year-old Kimble made his way to George’s stables in recent weeks, and after finishing second in his trial, he started on Friday night from barrier eight, with Gary Hall Jnr managing to cross the field to lead all the way wo win comfortably in 1:58:1 over the 2130m trip.

Kimble came off a last start win for Michael Young Pacing, before it was decided the gelding needed a change in scenery, where he then head to the stables of Michael George.

“He seemed to be a bit leg weary in the sand and needed a new training style.” He said.

KIMBLE REPLAY

Faster Than Dad has been more than consistent for the George stable, with six wins and six placings under his belt from just 19 starts since entering his team, Friday night’s win in the classic saw the five-year-old surpass $100,000 in stakes from just 39 career starts.

The son of the ill-fated Alta Christiano NZ lead all the way on Friday night from barrier one, holding on for a narrow half head margin on the line in a winning mile rate of 1:57:4, giving Hall Jnr his fifth win in the cart, from six on the night.

“It’s very hard to do (train a metropolitan double) as a hobby trainer and I’m proud of the family and support behind the scenes to make training horses work and enjoyable.”

FASTER THAN DAD REPLAY

Growing up in the industry with his dad Max George a hobby trainer himself in the Wanneroo area, George decided early on that he wanted to be involved, and at age 17 he gained his reinsman’s licence, where he went on to win 218 races, including the Gr1 WA Derby in 2011 on board Seel N Print NZ for Greg Bond. George hung up the reins in 2021 after slowly dwindling his drives from 2015 onwards.

“I felt I got to heavy and with work it was hard to commit to drives,

“I would love to drive again but I realise we have professionals for a reason, and I love the training side more.”

With numbers fluctuating between 4-6 horses in work at any time, Michael and his wife Prue recently made the decision to purchase a property in the Pinjarra complex, with the family hoping to settle at their new home by the end of July.

Their son Noah who was diagnosed with Leukaemia in September 2021 just prior to his third birthday has been undergoing treatment ever since.

“Winter is a tough time, so we try and keep him safe as he is still on treatment,

“Every day is closer to the finish line, and we are so very proud of him and his brother Cruz,

“Life can be tricky for them, but they are very resilient.”

George has Nyarnyee Navajo racing tomorrow at Pinjarra, where she lines up from barrier four in race 5, the Coolup Landscaping Supplies Fillies and Mares pace over the 2185m trip, where she looks to be the race favourite.

For complete race results, click here.

by Ashleigh Paikos, for RWWA