Marshall’s stable star arrives in Australia

Young Kiwi harness racing horseman Kyle Marshall’s move to Australia just went to another level.

Marshall’s stable star and one of the best of his age in New Zealand, Son Of Mac (American Ideal), arrived in Australia yesterday (Wednesday).

The colt has raced just 11 times for three wins and three placings, but turned heads with a slashing and close second to superstar Merlin in the Group 1 Northern Derby on March 23 at Alexandra Park.

“We’re super excited he’s across here now,” Marshall said, “he was coming, then some of the owners wanted him to stay in NZ, but now he’s over here.

“He had about four weeks out after the Derby run and had been back jogging for a few weeks before he came here.

“I’m not going to worry about Queensland in winter. I’d rather just bring him up slowly and aim towards the Victoria Derby and Breeders Crown here (Victoria).

“We think he’s outstanding and to have him come across when we’ve just moved set-up here is fantastic.”

It’s been a roller coaster in recent times for Marshall with Son Of Mac, who was advertised and sold, but failed a vet inspection, so the sale fell through.

“Now we can just focus on getting him back for the big races here, which I’ve thought all along would really suit him,” Marshall said.

Marshall and his partner, junior driver Sophie Jefferies, recently made the move to Australia in search of more opportunities.

“We’ve got eight in work and were going to have our first runner last night (Wednesday) at Ballarat, but I had to scratch the horse.”

That horse is Wharewhiti, a maiden who has shown some encouraging signs in NZ.

“He was the fittest of those we brought across. It’s only minor and he’ll be racing in the next week or two. He’s working quite well,” Marshall said.

Wharewhiti has raced just six times for two placings, the latest a second at Cambridge on March 23.

by Adam Hamilton, for Harness Racing New Zealand