Denver – Tayla made for junior driver

“He’s a nice horse and a perfect one for her,” trainer Matt Purvis texted after Denver (Windsong Espoir) gave stable junior Tayla Duley her first winning drive at Addington today.

Duley gave the gelding the perfect trip, positioning the seven year old in the one out running line and with plenty of speed he powered home to win by three and a half lengths.

DENVER REPLAY

“I was rapt. You’ve got the monkey on your back the whole time, so it was good to get it off. To have everyone there and on a horse that I own makes it even better. It’s one of those feelings you don’t get again but it’s so worth it when you get it,” Duley said.

Denver commenced his racing career with Michael House who won with him as a four year old at Oamaru in September 2022.

The trotter had his last start for the House stable in February 2023 and 861 days later reappeared in the Matt Purvis colours as a seven year old.

The horse had suffered from feet issues.

“He had quite a few trials with Mickey (House), but he didn’t make it to the races. Mickey turned him out for the last year to let his feet grow out to see whether that would help him. For some reason he decided to put him on Gavelhouse.”

“My grandparents were there. My Grandad had a bit to do with harness racing when I was younger. He worked for Wai Eyre Farm. To have him on course when I won was absolutely fantastic.”

Prior to today’s win Denver had had two starts for his new stable.

Denver is part owned by Duley and the Three Codes Hoovering Hooves Syndicate and is one of only six foals by the now deceased stallion Windsong Espoir. The gelding is out of Somebody To Love, a Monarchy daughter of Love Hate Revenge.

Love Hate Revenge left multiple Group One winners Majestic Man, Sol Invictus (11) and Majestic Love (6).

“Purvie said to me you can have a horse if you work for me. My partner and I were out for dinner with Simon Lancaster (Three Codes Hoovering Hooves Syndicate Manager), and I was telling him about it and a couple of weeks later he sent me Denver.”

Prior to working for Purvis, Duley worked for Nigel McGrath.

“School wasn’t really for me and I’d always worked with horses. I think the job came up on Facebook and I just messaged him. He was great to learn off and my first trial drives were for him.”

She says Denver is an easy horse to have around.

“He can get a bit keen on his own because he’s quite an anxious horse. But when he’s behind another horse the reins are in the dust sheet. Your grandma could drive him.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink