Cold Chisel belts out another Derby for Purdon

Clevedon harness racing trainer Barry Purdon has an amazing record in his hometown Derby and another winner was added to the list tonight when Cold Chisel (Always B Miki) won the $200,000 Group One 2023 Woodlands Stud Northern Derby.

Barry has now won the great race ten times dating back to 1981 with Melton Monarch.

Tonight, Purdon who trains Cold Chisel with Scott Phelan said, “He got a nice draw, a nice run too. Zac (driver Zachery Butcher) was calm as usual and he just got the other horse on the line. He did it at both ends of the race and it’s always a good effort when you can do that.”

The winning margin was a head, with Christopher Dance finishing second and Walk By Faith storming home for third.

Cold Chisel who’s named after the Aussie Rock Band was bred by Mark and Pauline O’Connor and Owen Shaw who were on-course. And he was purchased by Dean Shannon at the NZB Standardbred Sales in Christchurch.

“He’s wonderful, Dean. He’s been so supportive. He’ll be thrilled.”

COLD CHISEL REPLAY

Shannon also owned last year’s winner Merlin, which was also driven by Butcher.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink