Jonny B Good

Leeston harness racing trainer Jonny Cox, on the back of winning a Group race today at Addington, produced Pinseeker (Downbytheseaside) to beat a quality bunch of aged pacers.

The win was the four year old gelding’s fourth in just his sixth start.

After beginning off 10 metres Pinseeker settled fifth in the running line. Cox sent him forward with 1600 metres to run and just as he got to the lead with a lap to go, Triple G and John Dunn came-a-calling. After a short play fight Cox decided to take the trail.

“We burnt a lot to try and hold the front but he went a wee bit rough on me and I had to grab a hold. It was probably a blessing in disguise,” Cox said.

Consequently he followed Triple G all the way to the top of the straight and as Triple G rolled off the running line and the passing lane became available, Cox drove Pinseeker through and he went on to beat Dalton Shard by a length and a quarter.

“After we did what we did it did surprise me. But everything I’ve thrown at him he’s definitely stepped up to.”

The winning time was 3-13.2 for the 2600 metre stand.

Bred by Woodlands Stud Pinseeker was purchased from Gavelhouse for $4,000 and is owned by Iain Wilson, Peter Brinsdon, Jason Wood, Bernie McKone, Phil Stephens, Logan Boersma and Gary May.

PINSEEKER REPLAY

“Iain just bought him based on the photos really. The horse wasn’t really in proportion. He had a big neck and long legs, but he’s filled into his frame now.”

Wilson is Cox’s uncle and with his wife Nola raced the recently retired Folklore (Sportswriter) which won thirteen races including the Group Two Premier Mares Championship at Addington in January 2023.

After today’s win Cox who was considering heading south for the Winton Cup on 13^th April to qualify for the Southern Country Cups final, says he’s not so sure.

“He’s had a hard run and when we were heading out to the float you can tell he’s just a little bit jaded. We’ll get him through the next couple of days and see how he pulls up. The horse will come first.”

Pinseeker is named for a golfing term.

“The boys are all mad golfers. His nick name is Ernie after Ernie Els so the whole golf thing ties into Pinseeker.”

For complete Addington Raceway results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink