Two on the trot for Grand Majestic Bells

Trots man Nigel Johns has done it again, with the square gaiting wizard getting the win in the first at Pinjarra on Monday December 11, with the once troublesome Grand Majestic Bells NZ (Majestic Son).

Making it two on the trot, the four-year-old resumed from a spell just weeks ago after being stood down for two trials at her last attempt back in June 2023 when she was not on her best behaviour, eventually beaten by 186m.

But she has come back bigger and better, and after trialling in late June/early July, she appreciated a short let up, before making her way back in late November, winning first up for trainer/driver Nigel Johns with an impressive 24.1m winning margin.

Monday was no different for the pair, with Grand Majestic Bells NZ leading all the way in the opener of the day, running away from her rivals to get the win over the 2692m trip with a space of 33.6m between first and second place.

“Nige has a big opinion of her, he has taken his time with her because she’s a bit of an action girl, loves to run,

“He has done a very good job with her, giving her lots of cart miles to try curb her ‘I want to run full speed at all times’ attitude,

“A few gear adjustments have gotten her under a bit more control.” Said stable spokesperson, Deb Woodley.

GRAND MAJESTIC BELLS REPLAY

Grand Majestic Bells NZ has now had 8 starts for 3 wins for her patient yet excited connections, eastern states owner Paul Demicoli, who has had plenty of success with trainer Nigel Johns.

Purchased after viewing her trials, Demicoli soon called Nigel Johns and said “I think we have something special here,” and if she continues on her best behaviour, the four-year-old should have a bright future here in WA.

Grand Majestic Bellz NZ was purchased directly from New Zealand, bred by Katie Cox, who also completed all of her early education, Cox is currently in the fight of her life after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of Lung Cancer in October 2023.

The harness racing fraternity of New Zealand have rallied together and raised more than $300,000 for treatment, with the required treatment sadly not publicly funded.

Osimertinib, the drugs Cox requires in order to fight costs around $120,000, and at the current time, she is unsure how long she will be required to take it.

More information can be found through the Facebook page Whatever With Wiggy, where donations can be made click here.

For complete race results, click here.

by Ashleigh Paikos, for RWWA