Easy viewing – Betta Watch Out

Brydon couple Keith and Tracey Norman have been in harness racing a long time, running a successful stud, training a few and selling a few more. But their two year old filly Betta Watch Out (He’s Watching) is not on Keith’s training roster and is definitely not for sale.

The Normans are taking it a bit easier these days now that their stallion Washington VC is retired, and all three are enjoying the slower pace.

“I’m at the age and stage now that she might be my last good one. We’ve had a few big offers. It’s funny how the offers get bigger if you say you’re not going to sell,” Keith said.

Norman broke in Betta Watch Out and said that he always liked her.

“She was going round my track as good as anything can then I gave her to Brett (Gray) to fast work in company and I don’t think I’m getting her back.”

At the Winton meeting today (Nov. 17) Betta Watch Out competed in the Marshall Industries Mobile Pace. Driver Nathan Williamson took her straight to the top and she jogged down to the finish line to win by one and three quarter lengths, running the 1609 metres in 1-57.5. 

BETTA WATCH OUT REPLAY

“She can get a wee bit keen but she’s getting there. We think she’s eligible for The Grand Prix meeting at Addington. If she gets in, we’ll be there. She went good today and ran home in 26 but it’s a hell of a big step the next one,” Gray said.

Betta Watch is out of The Gladiator mare Betta Than Betta who’s proved to be a great source of enjoyment and income for the Normans.

She’s left Vice Captain (16 wins), Vice Chairman (7), Vice Consul (7) and Vindicate (7) all by Washington VC.

“He (Washington VC) had about 500 winners from 109 different broodmare stallions. That’s the unbelievable bit. He’s crossed with anything. Themightyquinn paved the way for his progeny selling well in Australia and we never looked back after that.”

Themightyquinn won fifty eight races and over five million dollars. 

“He was sold from the workouts and that’s what I’ve always done with most of my horses.”

Keith reports that Washington VC is enjoying retirement and says the twenty seven year old stallion is in good shape.

“When he was at stud, we had to give him butazone which is a painkiller so he could get the job done. But since he’s retired he’s running round like a fifteen year old. He’s earned his retirement the same as me.”

One of Washington VC’s last foals is a half-sister to Betta Watch Out.

“She part of his last crop of yearlings.” 

Note: Later in the programme three year old Miki Knows (Always B Miki) won at his first start for Ascot Park trainer Jeremy Douglas. He’s out of Abaraka (Washington VC) out of Millie Be Good (The Gladiator). The win was one of two for Douglas.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart for Harnesslink