While training doubles are a common occurrence at Tasmanian harness racing meetings, Ron Mansfield achieved a unique one at the recent Burnie program.
The special aspect of the 59-year-old Devonport trainer’s double is the winners, Esquivo and Boutique Art, are the only horses in his stable.
Both were bred by the Rattray Family Trust and, after not reaching the Rattray standards, were leased to Mansfield.
Esquivo was unplaced at six two-year-old starts before Mansfield took over the training, and almost a year and 17 starts later, the son of Ponder broke through for his first win.
Boutique Art raced from the Rattray stable until her five-year-old season, winning two races from 26 starts.
After a year off, the daughter of Art Major found herself in Mansfield’s care, where her next 20 starts produced four seconds, three thirds and eight fourths before a well-deserved win at Burnie.
Mansfield’s only prior winner was Love This Life at Burnie in March 2013.
Todd Rattray drove Esquivo and Boutique Art and completed a treble with Goggo Gee Gee in the Greg Rawlings Bulldozing Sweepstakes.
The daughter of Bettors Delight is trained by Barrie Rattray and owned by Adam Rattray and, like all of Todd’ winners, had the advantage of leading on the tight Wivenhoe Showgrounds circuit.
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PETER STAPLES