Medley not on song but still gets to number one

“He’s got a bit of ability but he’s just a bit immature in the head at the moment,” Waikouaiti harness racing trainer Amber Hoffman said after Major Medley (Art Major) won his maiden race at Winton today.

The three year old had been a bit wayward in the two starts prior to today’s breakthrough win.

“We put fixed deafeners and a pricker on the outside but he was still running out in the run home today. He just needed something else on the outside of him. He switched off when he got away and waited on them. He’s going out for six weeks now so he should come back a wee bit better.”

Despite running out, Major Medley had two and a quarter lengths to spare on second placegetter Eternal Dream.

MAJOR MEDLEY REPLAY

The gelding is owned by Graeme Anderson and Brian Sceat who have had success over the years with a host of good horses like Terrorway, Eamon Maguire and Sovereign Banner.

Anderson paid $50,000 for Major Medley at the NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales in Christchurch.

“Graeme knows he’s going to take time because he’s such a big boy.”

Major Medley was bred by Tony Barron and is out of Live Or Die mare Elite Medley. Barron with his late father Ron and the late Peter Marshall, did well with this family. Winnies Mak, Bo Scot Medley and Lively Medley come to mind.

Later in the programme today Hoffman’s quality trotter Mad Jack (Love You) came off a 30 metre handicap to win the main trot of the afternoon, beating Don’t Ask by a length and three quarters.

Driven by Brent Barclay, it was the five year old’s fifth win from nineteen starts. And with Connie Jaccka and Stillyourshot winning for Brett Gray and Major Medley and Mad Jack for Hoffman, Barclay stacked up four wins today.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink