Motor Mouth claims tenth career win

Eight year old gelding Motor Mouth (Sportswriter) claimed his tenth career win when taking out the Lesley Mckenzie Memorial Pace over 2000m at Addington yesterday for West Melton trainer Joseph Gray.

The son of Sportswriter was driven by Robbie Close and started as a $15.00 chance in the field before proving too strong for his rivals.

“He’s a super consistent horse. He’s won nine for me now and he’s lovely to have around the stable,” said Gray.

Motor Mouth made a good clean beginning from the unruly mark to land in front of race favourite Mandala. Close and Motor Mouth then settled one out, three back, before coming three wide at the 675m to secure some brief cover. At the 450m Close angled four wide and got to work on Motor Mouth who edged his way to lead and was tenacious to the line, holding out a fast finishing Almighty Clever and race favourite Mandala by a neck.

“I got him as a four year old. We paid $500 for him, and now he’s won over $100,000.”

“Goose (Robbie Close) does such a good job for me. He’s won a few races for me now.”

The win gave Motor Mouth his tenth raceday victory from one hundred and eight starts, with total stake earnings to over $100,000.

MOTOR MOUTH REPLAY

Gray trains a small team from his West Melton base and has some promising prospects coming through the ranks.

“I have a nice maiden – John Stewart – who was here on Friday night who has a bright future. And I have a nice Lazarus at home that goes quiet nice, so fingers crossed.”

Gray has now trained thirty three winners as a trainer, earning almost $400,000 in stakes.

Meanwhile Motor Mouth’s victory gave Close a driving double on the day when he also took Beverley Courtney to victory for trainer Regan Todd.

Todd also claimed a double as a trainer with his other winner Aldebaran Crystal driven by Blair Orange.

For complete Addington results, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand