Another good Tact unearthed

Harness racing at Winton today (Jan. 28) unearthed another very good horse carrying the ‘Tact’ prefix.

Tact McLeod (Sweet Lou) was super impressive, winning the Southland Vehicle Sales Mobile Pace by five and a quarter lengths, running the 2400 metres at his first start in 2-54.8 (1-57.2 mile rate).

Trained on the track by Trevor Proctor, Tact McLeod was taken back at the start while Smart I Am (American Ideal) and Rakadan (He’s Watching) took turns at keeping the pace hot.

With 900 metres to run driver Nathan Williamson asked the four year old to sprint hard and he easily whipped round the top half of the field reaching the lead with ease.

Williamson just had to keep the gelding up to the task and the horse’s natural ability took him to the line for the easiest of wins with Rakadan the best of the chasing bunch.

“I’ve been saying to people that he would probably be one of the nicest horses I’ve trained as far as ability and gait is concerned. He’s not foolproof but I feel like he’s got a good future,” said Proctor.

TACT MCLEOD REPLAY

Tact McLeod carries a long frame and covers the ground really well.

“He’s got a sixty three inch hopple and he fills them up. He’s got a massive stride and a lot of speed with it. You dream about having a horse like that.”

Proctor, who’s nearing the end of his training career says Tact McLeod has taken a bit of organising.

“He used to hang a lot to the near side so we put poles and blinds on him and got him ninety five percent straight. Today he lunged out a wee bit. He’s still a work in progress but the more speed on the better he is.”

Tact McLeod has been unbeaten at trials and workouts and at his last workout fifteen days ago he came home in 55.6.

“We realised how good he was after that workout. I thought ‘hello’ and again I was surprised because I didn’t think he was ready for that, but today’s run was just unbelievable.”

Tact McLeod is out of the Albert Albert mare Tact Hayley Jane which won ten races and has now left six winners including Tact Tama (Christian Cullen) who’s unbeaten in five starts in Australia, and Tact Hayley’s Delight (Bettor’s Delight) the winner of sixteen races.

“I’ve got two horses in training and preparing two for the yearling sales. I’m keen to keep hold of this one. I think after today I made the right decision not to sell him. Unless the money’s stupid I’ll keep him.”

The win is perfect timing for Proctor and partner Diane Dynes as they’ve got a half brother by Lather Up going to next month’s yearling sale in Christchurch.

“I love him. He’s a real athlete who’s always on the move. He’s a beautiful looking horse.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink