McIIwrick wins half the card

Southern harness racing reinsman Rory McIIwrick won half the card today at the Forbury Park Trotting Club meeting at Wingatui.

The dual code meeting had six harness races and McIIwrick from just four drives, drove three winners with his other drive finishing sixth.

His day got off to the best possible start when Gentle Mac (Majestic Son) won for Ascot Park trainer Adrian Wohlers.

The seven year old trotter is a recent addition to the Wohler’s barn after previously racing for Tim Robertson.

Gentle Mac went into a wild gallop when the tapes were released but McIIwrick got him down and into his gait after one hundred metres. Once Gentle Mac was balanced he pressed forward to take the lead and under a tight hold he went on to win by a length and a quarter.

“He’s a horse with a fair bit of ability but he’s a bit on the skittish side. It was good to see him do most things right today and he’s a horse that goes well on the grass. He jogged the last bit. It’s just about keeping him trotting. He’s got a big motor and hopefully he can take that next step,” McIIwrick said.

GENTLE MAC REPLAY

Another recently transferred pacer Northview Rock (A Rocknroll Dance) also won first up for his new trainer Tyler Dewe after previously being trained by Murray Brown. From a wide draw McIIwrick had the mare in the first six at the winning post. She was caught three wide but once the field straightened up for the long run across the back he pressed forward getting to the top at the 1400 metre peg. The four year old held on to beat a late charging Oneloveonelife (Somebeachsomewhere) by three quarters of a length.

“It was a good race for her to be in today. She did everything right, is very tough and gives you that vibe at home. She loved being in front and dictating. Hopefully that run will tighten her up.”

NORTHVIEW ROCK REPLAY

In the last, McIIwrick slotted the Kirstin Barclay trained Bobbies Rock (A Rocknroll Dance) into the one one and after being headed by second favourite Vin Scully (Sportswriter) he came back to win by a neck.

“It was his first run back and I think the other horse just headed him but my horse just dug in and started to pull away. I think he’ll improve with the run as well. He can get a bit fierce, but he was more settled today and when I asked him to run he really dug in.”

BOBBIES ROCK REPLAY

McIIwrick is now permanently based in Southland and travels across the province working for a variety of trainers including Owen Lawrence, Wayne Adam, Kirstin Green, Nathan Williamson and Alister Black.

“There’s always something to yarn about. I love Southland. It’s a little piece of paradise and to get winners down here is special. I enjoy the Southland vibe that’s for sure. 

McIIwrick is also learning to do equine massage under the guidance of Gail Richardson.

“I do a wee bit of study in the afternoons and some equine massages – I’m a bit of a natural (laughter). I also go to the gym to keep the body in shape because it’s very hard on you. I also feed up at Owens later in the day and it’s generally getting pretty late by the time I get home.”

McIlwrick says days like today make it all worthwhile.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink