Kiwi gets his second career win

One of the shining lights of the Southern Harness scene, Mr Kiwi scored his second career win when he got up to beat a tenacious Honey Cullen by half a length at Winton today.

The four year old gelding showed plenty of class at times in his three year old season but maturity and consistency just weren't there.

“He won first up last season and he was so green. We had a wee few issues this season but he went super at Gore. He’s just been a bit more 'with us' this season. He’s got a big motor and he’s really matured,” said trainer Brett Gray.

Gray says the American Ideal gelding has been a bit of ‘a trick’ at home but says he’s turned a corner this time round.

“He was so lazy, then he’d get quite keen but this time in he’s been really good.”

There have also been issues this week with a minor injury but the horse was good enough to overcome them today.

“We got a stone bruise during the week so that was my only worry. We were under the pump but he still did it which was pretty cool.”

Saluting the judge                                                  –  photo Bruce Stewart

This was Mr Kiwi’s second win in five starts and Gray says he’s got a bright future.

“I think he could go a wee way actually. He’s a bright hope. I’m not too sure what I’m going to do with him. We might give him a wee spell and have a go at the South of the Waitaki at Addington.”

Out of the In The Pocket mare Wanaka Bay, Mr Kiwi was bred by Ben and Karen Calder who now reside in Wanaka. The Calders race the gelding with Gina Gray, Earl Shannon and Mrs J Bajnoczi-Shannon.

“Ben and Karen have been great to me and my wife Ginny. Love winning races for them.”

Mr Kiwi is a half brother the Mr Mojito which won seven of it's ten starts in New Zealand and a further four races in Australia including the Group Two Garrard Horse and Hound Four Year Old Championship at Gloucester Park in December 2016.

Bruce Stewart