Big Al carrying the hopes of the Stewart team

Father-daughter harness racing trainers Steve Clarke and Hayley Stewart will be looking for their first training success as a partnership today at Addington Raceway.

It is their fifth season of partnership from their Norwood base just outside Christchurch and so far they have recorded five placings – three of which have come this season with maiden trotter Big Al ($3.70FF) who lines up in Race 2, the Mid-Winter Christmas On Sale Now Trot over 2600m (5:04pm).

Big Al, who will be driven by Steve Clarke, comes into today after a solid third on Sunday at Rangiora behind Just Easy. Clarke is no stranger to the winners circle having trained 11 winners before going into partnership with his daughter Hayley Stewart, who is looking for her first training success.

“It’s a family affair. Mum’s been coming out and driving them. My husband Joe comes out and drives him every morning. Big Al’s been a bit of a project for him.” said Stewart.

“He pulled up good after Sunday. He’s just had a few quiet days.”

Big Al has backed up well in the past having raced at the West Coast March meetings, placing on both days.

“He seems to thrive off the racing so I don’t think the small gap between races will worry him.”

Stewart is hopeful that the nature of the midweek meetings will work into their favour.

“He’s a really good beginner, so it really works in his favour.

“It’s a small even field so they’re all a chance at these kinds of meetings.”

Other chances in the event include current race favourite Brightman ($3.40FF) for trainer/driver Kyle Cameron, Ma Belle Amie ($6.00FF) for trainer/driver John Versteeg and Star Invasion ($3.90FF) for Amber Lethaby, with Sheree Tomlinson to drive.

Clarke and Stewart also line up The Town Of Light in Race 4, the McMillan Equine Feeds Pace over 2000m (6:08pm) at eye watering odds ($101 FF)with Clarke to drive.

“He’s still really green. It’s a bit of a drop back from his race on Sunday,” says Stewart.

“We think a bit of him. It’s just taking him a while to learn the whole racing game.

“He might have a wee break after today.”

Swift Guy ($3.20FF) for trainer/driver Leo O’Reilly and Rockin Roman ($3.80FF) for trainer Cheree Wigg and driver Jonny Cox are somewhat loosely favoured in an even field.

Clarke and Stewart are working just the two race horses at the moment having just tipped three others out for the winter.

“We don’t usually work too many in the winter because dad and I both work full time – so it makes it hard to work them in the morning before we have to go.”

Racing commences today from 4:24pm this afternoon.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand