Hanna makes successful return

Carl Hanna has been around horses most of his life and after a short time away from the game milking cows, he’s back working at Macca Lodge and training winners.

“There’s a bit more flexibility with the family. We missed out on getting a house at Riversdale so we live in Tapanui,” Hanna said after November Nine (Sky Major) won in his colours at Ascot Park today.

The three year old filly trailed favourite Ada R J and was too strong in the straight, winning by three quarters of a length in the hands of Matty Williamson.

NOVEMBER NINE REPLAY

“She’s improved a lot after her first run. Racing has brought her on a bit and she’s a bit more of a racehorse now. She’s a bit of a highly strung tart around the place but if she keeps going the way she’s going it’ll make it worthwhile.”

November Nine was spotted by Canterbury trainer Kyle Cameron and former trainer Ross Rennie who’s Hanna’s stepfather.

“She wasn’t setting the world alight in Canterbury and they thought Southland may provide her with more opportunities.”

Hanna has now trained nine winners including Tairlaw Toll (5) and Onelifeonelove (2), both sons of Somebeachsomewhere.

Meanwhile it was a great day for Winton breeder Michelle Caig when two of the progeny of her mare City Lane won today.

Our Rose Hill (What The Hill) capitalised on a perfect trip to win the first race in the hands of Brad Williamson and four races later Our Rose Hill’s younger sister Penelope Lane (Volstead) also driven by Williamson, won the fifth on the card.

Alister Black trains Our Rose Hill who’s owned by Art Shirley while Caig owns Penelope Lane which is trained by Williamson.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink