Folklore wins Belle heat

Harness racing mare Folklore (Sportswriter) has been a great money earner for her Southland owners Ian and Nola Wilson.

Trained by former Southlander Jonny Cox, today’s (Jan. 19) win in the $15,000 Vet South Equine Southern Belle over 1700 metres was the mare’s eleventh. She’s won in Auckland, at Ascot Park and everywhere in between.

“She’s been a lovely mare and good for Ian and Nola. The win will keep the family happy,” Cox said after the win.

Cox hooked Folklore out three wide to get round the tiring Feelthejoy (Always B Miki) to make a sustained run from a fair way out.

“I was worried. The one I was following wasn’t going that well and I didn’t want to let those leaders get away. I was hoping to get into the one one but that didn’t work out. When I loomed up on the bend I thought I may have done too much but she always tries her heart out which is what I’ve always loved about her.”

FOLKLORE REPLAY

Pacemaker Joes Rock (Racing Hill) had a small margin at the top of the straight, but Forklore showed great tenacity to wear her down and win by a head. 

“It was a good battle up the straight and we got there. This horse has got a big heart.”

The 1700 metres was run in 2-10.8 – a 1-55.3 mile rate.

“We bought her and when I broke her in I said to Ian ‘she’s probably got four or five wins in her.’ That was her eleventh win today. You don’t mind being wrong sometimes especially when it’s that way round. It’s when you say they may win seven or eight and they win one that it’s a bit different.”

Cox will now look at the $50,000 Premier Mare Championship and $100,000 New Zealand Breeder Stakes at Addington for Forklore before returning south for the final of the Southern Belle at Winton in April.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink