Blenheim harness racing mare strikes gold

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

Trainer Tony Thomas has taken a patient approach with White Diamond Gold and it paid off at Motukarara Raceway on Sunday.

The four-year-old daughter of Gold Ace broke through for her maiden win at the 19th time of asking when victorious in the Stephanine Murray Mortgages Fashion In The Field Mobile Pace (2000m).

From the outside of the front row driver Robbie Close was able to push forward off the gate to find a handy position midfield. However, after a few mid-race moves they found themselves at the back of the pack with a wall of horses ahead of them turning for home.

Close was able to work his magic and navigated his charge into some clear running room out wide where she was able to close late to win by a length over Hutasa.

White Diamond Gold went into the race in good form, having placed in her previous three starts, including her last two at her home track of Waterlea Raceway.

“It was a very good run,” said Thomas, who also co-bred and part-owns the mare.

“I wasn’t that confident after drawing nine but I knew she was fit, she had two good runs at Blenheim, and a good run the week before (at Nelson).”

It took White Diamond Gold 15 starts before her first placing and Thomas said being well-accustomed to her family, he knew she would take time to develop.

“The breed takes a bit of time. She qualified as a three-year-old and was probably a bit weak. She has just strengthened up this year,” he said.

While based in Blenheim, Thomas said he has had to make regular trips south to attend race meetings and he has enjoyed plenty of success at Motukarara over the years.

“I have had quite a bit of luck at Motukarara, I have won quite a few races there and all with that breed,” he said.

White Diamond Gold will now likely remain in Canterbury to try and double her win tally next week.

“I was thinking about sending her down south, but I will talk with Johnny Morrison and Robbie Close and we might go to Methven with her next week,” Thomas said.

View the Banks Peninsula results click here!