No pain and all gain for Swain

Castelo De Vide (Bettors Delight) gave Makarewa trainer Earl Swain a decent thrill at Gore when he won the Gore Septic Tanks Services Mobile pace over 2200m last week. And it was an overdue second success for a horse that earlier in his career looked destined for big things.

“It was a very good win,” says Swain of his 41st training success, “I’m very happy.”

It was Castelo De Vide’s second victory in 13 starts and nearly three years after his first, an eight length victory at Addington on New Zealand Cup day for then trainer Darren Keast.

On Thursday the five-year-old Bettors Delight gelding settled back from his second line draw for driver Nathan Williamson, before coming three and four wide from the 600m, outmuscling runner-up Huki Fella, to win by three quarters of a length.

“I had him at the Wyndham workouts recently, and he came his last half in 55 seconds sitting parked. Then I gave him a few easy days and then off to the races.

“We will look to go to Wyndham on the 12th for a juniors race and pick up a free win.”

Swain purchased Castelo De Vide’s dam Maravo Cam (by Christian Cullen), with a Rock N Roll Heaven foal at foot off gavelhouse. After some research into the family he came across Castelo De Vide and noticed he was not currently registered to a trainer.

“I gave Paul Renwick (previous owner) a call to see where he was at, and he said ‘funny you should call, we were just talking about what to do with him’ so I asked would you lease him to me?”

After deliberating with his wife, they decided to take the horse, which Renwick agreed to.

“They turned him out as a three-year-old after he hurt his tendon. So when he arrived he had a wee bump there. I started dressing his leg, but it didn’t seem to be helping it as much as I’d liked.”

Swain spent much time rejuvenating the gelding’s tendon, and after some advice and research, found a poultice that has worked wonders.

“I got something called ‘Runners Relief’ that Nathan (Williamson) has. Brilliant stuff.

“The leg looks as good as new. Bump has gone. Hopefully he just stays sound.”

Swain currently works a small team of two including Demi Darling, an American Ideal four-year-old mare, who he recently purchased off gavelhouse.

“She’s working terrifically. She’ll line up at Wyndham too. I’ve also got two foals by Sky Major, out of Supreme Belle, who is also due to leave one by Lather Up.”

Swain recently retired from his job at Fonterra in July.

“I’m working harder now than I was before!”

For complete race results, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand