Pinseeker impresses on debut

Pinseeker (Downbytheseaside) turned heads yesterday at Rangiora when he won on debut in race three the Robyn Powell – Bayleys Maiden pace.

Pinseeker is trained and driven by Leeston horseman Jonny Cox for who part-owner Peter Brindson describes are a “bunch of golfers” that purchased the harness racing gelding off gavelhouse during a covid lockdown in early 2020.

“We weren’t surprised he won, but surprised how he won! We couldn’t have wished for a better start, said Brindson.

The three-year-old came from well off the pace with a devastating finish to gun down Festus Haggen and Sophia’s Dream who dead-heated for second.

“He’s got plenty of up side.”

Pinseeker was pinpointed by Brinsdon and his good mate Iain Wilson on gavelhouse. Wilson also raced the good mare Folklore (winner of 13 races and over $185,000 in stakes) whom Jonny Cox also trained.

“There are seven of us in the ownership of the horse. All golfers. A few new owners to harness racing too.

“When we were bidding on the horse we discovered Kim Butt (Cox’s partner) was also bidding, so we had to tell her to stop bidding but that if we won the horse then they could train him.”

Once that eventuated, the Downbytheseaside weanling arrived and he had “5 year old written all over him.”

PINSEEKER REPLAY

Pinseeker qualified in May this year, running second to the talented Tanzania before being set aside over winter. He had three trials prior to making his debut yesterday, winning his most recent.

“Matthew Brindson, my brother, trains at Gore. So the interest has always been there. We had a few horses with John Cox, Jonny’s dad, when he was at Winton many years ago.

“I’ve never had a horse win their first start!”

Once the dust settles, the puzzle will piece itself together for Pinseeker.

“He’s looking like he could make a good Country Cups type of horse, but in the meantime Jonny will map something out for him.”

Pinseekers’ win made it a double in the cart for Jonny Cox, who also steered Bonnie Bagrie to win race five for trainer Sam Payne.

For complete race results, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand