Honkin Vision Sires Stakes winner 1989

Nearly thirty six years ago Henry Skinner and Honkin Vision (Honkin Andy) – two of Southland’s harness racing stars, combined to win the $150,000 Liquorland Sires Stakes Final on Show Day at Addington.

He was wide early before running to the lead and was too strong for Chuin who was a length back in second with The Unicorn a head back in third.

After winning $250,000 as a two year old, Honkin Vision’s three year old season was in doubt after he suffered from a degenerative joint. With the help of a magnetic implant which was designed to help his blood circulation to his injury, he was able to race through his three year old season.

By the end of that three year old season the Alan Devery – Henry Skinner trained gelding had won five races, broken three New Zealand records and posted a 1-56.8 winning mile time.

Honkin Vision was bred and raced by Vin and Daphne Devery. Vin also owned the inaugural Sires Stakes winner Arveeae which was trained by his brother Alan.

Vin has bred many good racehorses over the years, the best being Amazing Dream.

The full count of wins by horses he’s owned is 63. Facetious was the first at Ascot Park in 1973 and the last was Special Dream at Rangiora in 2023.

No doubt Vin will be watching Friday night’s edition of the great race with a photo of Honkin Vision not too far away.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink