Bannockburn gets the gold

Bannockburn (Locharburn) dished up too much class for his rivals at Oamaru today, easily winning the Hireworx Oamaru Handicap Pace.

After a messy start driver Henry Sail settled Bannockburn four back in the inside before heading to the front with 1800 metres to run.  Although there were challenges at the top of the straight, the four year proved he was in a class of his own, winning by six and a quarter lengths.

“Henry drove him a peach. I said to him the best place for him is in front rolling along. It was a tail wind down the back straight so it was great judgement from Henry,” trainer Aaron Swain said.

BANNOCKBURN REPLAY

Swain’s mother Wendy has a share in the gelding, with a handful of Swain’s loyal owners and some new faces.

“He doesn’t like the grit too much so he wears a fly mask over his face. That’s been a game changer. He’s a bit funny in his gait and on the first bend he gets a bit ‘rolly’ in behind, so you just need to talk to him. We’re still learning (about him).”

Bannockburn is by Christian Cullen stallion Locharburn and was bred by Kevin and Barbara Chapman.

“I’ve had two Locharburns and they’re both nice horses. I don’t know why people don’t send their mares to him because he’s doing a real good job. I’ve sent a mare to him because of the two I’ve had.”

The four year old is well related, being a half brother to eleven win gelding Beach Ball which Chapman trained.

“Kevin and I have had a good association over the last few years and he’s sent me a few horses that have had a few wee tricks. I had Lochdarragh and Kevin had a share in him. He won his last start for us, then he broke down.”

Chapman had a readymade replacement for Lochdarragh in Bannockburn and offered Swain the horse to train.

Aaron is currently on maternity leave after his partner Rose Alfeld gave birth to Archie Alfeld Swain.

“He decided to come into this world a bit earlier than he was supposed to. We spent four months in hospital with him. He’s out now and he’s away laughing. I’ve had a day away from Dad duties and a day at the races.”

Swain trains at Rose’s parents Murray and Lisa Alfeld’s property at Leeston.

“It’s a beautiful property and I can’t thank them enough. I can’t manage the horses without them. They’re a big help.”

His full time job, which he’s returning to in a couple of weeks, is as a nutrition specialist for McMillan and NRM, covering Canterbury, Otago and Southland.

“I look after Farmlands and PGG Wrightson stores that sell our product. I also go to stables and look after our clients.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink