Butt looking to put on a Master Class

It will be a sentimental moment for Canterbury horsewoman Kimberley Butt when Master Class (Love You) steps out in the Oxford Trot (2600m) at Rangiora on Sunday. The three-year-old debutant was bred by Butt family matriarch Jenny Butt, who shares in the ownership of the harness racing gelding with her granddaughter, Kimberley.

It will be the first time Butt has trained a horse for her Nana and she is looking forward to it.

“He is a horse I have luckily got from my Nana, which we are halves in,” Butt said.

“It is pretty special. I have driven horses for Nana over the years, but they were trained by Tim (Butt, uncle), so it is pretty cool to be training my own one for her.

“He is a nice horse and has lovely breeding on his side, so I am excited to get him to the races.”

Familiar with her Nana’s breed, Butt believes Master Class will take a bit of time, but she said the son of Love You has shown early signs of promise.

“He has shown us that he has plenty of ability but maiden trotters stepping out for the first time is always a bit of a learning experience,” she said.

“He is a big, gentle horse so anything he does on Sunday he will learn from.

“He is a big boy and Nana’s breed seem to take a bit of time. We are definitely not in a rush with him, and we will just see how things go.”

Butt, who will do the steering behind Master Class on Sunday, will also hop in the cart behind the Brent White-trained Sassy Star (Majestic Son) in the Waimakiriri District Trot (2000m).

Sassy Star will be fresh-up after winning at Addington Raceway last month and Butt is looking forward to partnering with the three-year-old filly once again this weekend.

“She is a nice three-year-old filly. They have done a really good job looking after her and taking their time with her,” Butt said.

“She got the win at the end of her last prep and then had a wee freshen-up. They are really happy with where she is at.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Joshua Smith, for Harness News Desk