Top young farrier gets a rare training win

He has shod some of Australian harness racing’s current top performers from Grand Circuit winners Majestic Cruiser and Boncel Benjamin to the likes of Ignatius and My Ultimate Byron.

But it was Chris Judd’s training ability at the fore at Penrith on Thursday night (Jul. 28).

Judd won with his Captaintreacherous mare Highly Respected, who was driven by Judd’s cousin Cameron Hart, giving the 25-year-old his first winner for the season.

“I’m only training two horses at the moment,” said Judd.

“It’s my side hobby when I’m not shoeing horses.”

HIGHLY RESPECTED REPLAY

Judd has set up his stable at the Menangle Park Training Centre and has been based there for a couple of years whilst working as a farrier.

Growing up in Junee and working at Commonwealth Bank for six years, Judd had the opportunity to work for Miracle Mile-winning horseman James Rattary in Exeter and took it.

From there Judd began shoeing horses and spent time working with fellow farrier Garrett Newton.

“I’ve been a farrier around Menangle for a couple of years now,” said Judd.

“Rickie Alchin was the first trainer that gave me a go and I worked alongside Garrett Newton for 12 months.”

Since March last year Judd has been running his own farrier service and has worked on some of the country’s top performers.

He even flew up to Queensland recently during the Winter Carnival and put the final touches on Blacks A Fake Championship winner Majestic Cruiser.

“I’ve always loved Majestic Cruiser ever since Jason (Grimson) first got him,” said Judd.

“Jason had a few horses in Queensland so the week of The Rising Sun I flew up and shod his horses and shod a few for Rickie and Jarrod Alchin too while I was there.

“I’m fortunate enough to work with some big stables like Jason, Rickie and Jarrod, James Rattray, Cameron Ross, Peter Rixon and Joe and Mary Rando.

“With that I’ve shod some nice horses too and have been lucky.

“I prefer to train horses as it’s easier but being a farrier pays the bills and I do enjoy it.

“You do get a thrill to see a horse you shod win a big race.”

As a trainer, Judd has had four winners since he obtained his licence in the 2019/21 season.

Although he has semi-retired himself from driving in races, Judd boasts 21 winners in the cart since his debut season in 2013/14 season.

by Amanda Rando, for Harnesslink