Majestic Son gelding takes out Port Pirie Trotting Cup

Nine-year-old gelding Uncle Louis (Majestic Son), who had been out of the winner’s list since claiming the Kapunda Trotting Cup back in March 2023, outstayed his harness racing rivals to take the $20,000 Aldebaran Park Port Pirie Trotting Cup at Pheonix Park Paceway on Saturday Night.

Bred in New Zealand, Uncle Louis was initially purchased by Paul Cavallaro for a group of owners, including Port Adelaide player Jason Horne-Francis.

Cavallaro sold the gelding to Tony Pullicino in March of this year, and Majestic Son’s son was transferred to Mario Borg’s stables. 

Since joining the Borg yard, his form has been consistent without winning. He was placed at his two previous starts, leading to his victory at Port Pirie.

Borg said Uncle Louis had improved every start since he joined his stable. 

“He (Uncle Lois) has enjoyed the change of environment since he joined my stables at Mallalla,” Boag said. 

“I have always liked him since he arrived from New Zealand,” he added.

After being well from the 10-meter mark, Uncle Louis lobbed in fourth position after the field settled down. With about 1300 meters to travel, driver Gaita Pullicino extricated Uncle Louis into the breeze when she saw race favourite My Used To Be making his run.

After sitting in the breeze for the final lap and a half, Uncle Louis fought hard when challenged by My Used To Be in the home straight to win by a half-head. Cyclone S Adams finished fast after being held up by the tiring Illawong Moonbeam to take third spot. 

Last year’s winner, Millys Magic, battled on gamely to run fourth, with Borg’s other runner, Get Lucky, finishing a creditable fifth after sustaining an injury during the event.

“Get Lucky cut through his boot and injured his leg,” Borg said.

Borg stands two stallions at his property in the Adelaide Hills, pacer Gotta Go Cullect and the Swedish-bred trotter  Cardigan Boko.

Cardigan Boko served a small book of mares in the season just gone. “He has about ten mares in foal, which is a good number for South Australia,” Borg said

Cardigan Boko has some nicely bred New Zealand mares, like nine-time winner Gin NZ in foal.

Uncle Louis will continue to race while in good form while Get Lucky will require some time off to recover from that race injury.

For complete race results, click here.

by Gary Newton