Stable snippets with Terry Gange

Swan Hill Harness Racing Club has every reason to be spruiking its annual Stallion Tender concept as the proof is in the pudding.

At the club’s latest meeting, two Horsham based pacers to triumph in Muckinbar Diva (Shadow Play) and Little Louie (Sweet Lou) were the results of successful purchases through the tender.

Club President Gerard Maloney, a passionate breeder himself over many years, has the job of tender co-ordinator.

“It’s just another demonstration of how industry participants can support each other in a very successful way,” Maloney said.

“We’ve been doing it for quite a while now—Alabar donated the Shadow Play service, while Woodlands provided the Sweet Lou service.

“Four-year-old mare Muckinbar Diva was bred and is owned by the Lane family. In winning she certainly stamped herself as a potential gem of a broodmare with a time of 1.55-1.

“Little Louie was driven by his trainer Aaron Dunn and looks a bright prospect. The colt won by almost 20 metres in 1.57-2.”

LITTLE LOUIE REPLAY

Maloney said the club was thrilled that the horses were bred via the stallion tender and then won races at the Swan Hill track.

“A big thanks goes out to the studs that support us and we look forward to many more winners, courtesy of our stallion tenders,” he said.

For complete Swan Hill results, click here.

Young Tasmanian harness racing horseman Conor Crook, who moves his operations to Victoria today week (Jun 20) has been most upbeat regarding a new stable addition.

And it’s little wonder – former New South Wales three-year-old gelding Sinister (Heston Blue Chip) posted two wins in four days at Launceston last week.

Sinister, who certainly looks a rising star with five wins from 10 starts, was handled on both occasions by Crook’s partner Jordan Chibnall.

When the pair makes the move to Victoria, they will initially be preparing a team of about 10, but hoping to perhaps nearly double this number, at the Shepparton Training Centre.

Sinister was bred by Michael Boots, who has become a big player in the industry in recent times. He entrusted the pacer with astute Riverina trainer Col Thomas and three wins resulted.

The pacer is now raced by B and C Bloodstock and Summit Bloodstock Syndicates along with Aaron Bain Racing Pty Ltd.

Sinister is out of the great producing mare Dolly Soks who has had seven foals to make it to the racetrack for a total of 41 wins.

A half-brother to Sinister in Camroller (Million Dollar Cam) has won 16 races and run 24 placings for just over $100,000, while other winners have been Magic Maddie (Courage Under Fire), nine wins; and Dancinginthedark (Fly Like An Eagle), five wins.

The Crook/Chibnall combination is in terrific form. Crook trained a treble on Friday night—as well as landing the quinella in the main event, the $14,000 Go Racing Tasmania Ulverstone Cup. Rohan Hillier drove the winner Shannonstheman (Rocknroll Hanover). Chibnall was successful with Joe Nien (Shadow Play) and Sinister.

For complete Launceston results, click here.

When Tania Ward, wife of renowned Shepparton harness racing horse breaker Ian, decided to do something to raise funds for the 2022 Pacing for Pink campaign, she was quick to get the backing of family and friends.

Tania made a decision most of us would balk at – to shave her hair for the cause. She thought $1000 would be a good target, then following huge support, her dreams shifted to raise $3000 for the McGrath Foundation.

“Two of her close friends in Kelly Govers and Joan Lukies were determined that Tania would reach that goal – and along with her local Invergordon/Katamatite community, client horse owners and others, an amazing $5027 has been achieved,” Pacing for Pink co-ordinator Marg Watson said.

“Her brave act, with the impending cold, winter months ahead, drew admiration from Glenn McGrath, who attended the special Mothers’ Day harness race meeting held by the Shepparton club.

“There have been so many wonderful stories of generosity across Australia and Tania was one, with her big heart and the dedication to make a difference for others.”

Money raised for the McGrath Foundation provides funding to breast care nurses across the country.

Mildura horseman Aaron Coad must be pinching himself!

After scoring his first race driving win at only his sixth attempt, during a road trip last Monday’s Globe Derby meeting, Coad followed up the performance for his second victory just three days later.

Coad scored on the same horse Only in Rome (Bettors Delight), sitting three back on the pegs and winning by three and a half metres in The Gateway Pace at Friday afternoon’s Mildura meeting.

ONLY IN ROME REPLAY

Coad and his partner Reilly Blight have based themselves at South Merbein, with the aim of establishing themselves professionally in the sport.

They still operate a building business in Broken Hill, but are currently training eight horses, and planning to expand the stable to a “comfortable” 12 when suitable horses come their way.

Only In Rome was having only his second start for Coad, and is one of two pacers sent to him by Tasmanian trainer Ben Yole. Sir Jujon (Mr Feelgood), was also formerly with Yole and was sent to the mainland earlier this year, winning for Coad at his second start.

“He’s looking at sending up a few others up that are on a suitable low assessment.  Once they’re down in that grade it’s hard to place them in suitable races in Tasmania, but they’re suited in Victoria,” Coad said.

For complete Mildura results, click here.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink