Emotional harness racing win for Black and owners

It was an emotional win for trainer Alister Black and the owners of Idealism when Country Cups winner Idealism took out the Four Year Old $30,000.00 harness racing feature today at the Invercargill HRC today.

Happiness was mingled with sadness, because part owner Peter Carnie passed away this morning after a battle with cancer.

Idealism warming up with Brad Williamson wearing a black armband

“Peter and Elaine have been great owners and never questioned any decisions I have made. Pete was a lovely person who just loved his horses. I said to the horse before he went out, ‘go out and do it for Pete.’ We were all pretty emotional in the birdcage,” Black said as he dealt with the press after the win.

The presentation was also hard for Craig Milne who shares in the ownership as well.

Idealism (American Ideal) began like a rocket and driver Brad Williamson ensured that was where his charge stayed, holding on to beat the favourite Love On The Rocks by a length and a quarter.

“Super drive. He’s the man.”

Winning salute

Back to the birdcage

Idealism has been a model of consistency in the Country Cups grade, running seconds, thirds and fourths in his last handful of starts.

“He hasn’t had too much luck in these types of races but today he got to make his own luck which was great. It’s such a hard grade. There were five or six horses that could have won today.”

Black was relatively confident the gelding could win today with Idealism working well during the week.

“I mixed his work up a bit this week to keep him nice and fresh.”

After today’s 2700 metre victory Black is now considering a trip to Addington.

“I might take him to Christchurch for the Uncut Gems, but I’ll have to talk to the owners. It’ll depend on what barrier draw we get.”

View the Invercargill results click here!

by Bruce Stewart