Quinn wins on the Young Quinn Raceway

“I think this is the best horse I’ve had since Sly Flyin (Sands Aflyin), harness racing trainer Bruce Negus said after two year old Quinn (Downbytheseaside) won by three and three quarter lengths at Wyndham today (Oct. 12). I think he’s a Derby horse in the making,” he added.

That’s a big wrap as Sly Flyin won twenty nine races including four of his five two year old starts which included the 2001 Welcome Stakes and New Zealand Sires Stakes Final.

QUINN REPLAY

Driver Sheree Tomlinson took the gelding straight to the top and he was too strong for his seven rivals, running the 1609 metres in 1-57.2 on a windy day.

Negus is a big fan of the progeny of Downbytheseaside. He owned a share of A Little Silence which was sold earlier this year to Perth for good money and he part owns Munro’s Mate which is trained by Tony Barron.

“The Downbytheseasides look as though they punch above their families. He (Quinn) was a particularly good looking animal.”

Quinn was passed in at the 2021 NZB Standardbred Weanling Sale in Auckland for $8,000. He was then put on Gavelhouse and was purchased by John Owen’s for $2,500.

John races the colt with his wife Sandra.

“They took the horse down. They’ve got a routine and went a couple of days early and stayed with Keith and Tracey Norman.”

The Normans of course stood Washington VC, and his best son Themightyquinn was bred on their Brydon property.

“John and Sandra aren’t natural horse people. They’ve only taken it on latterly so it’s a great help staying at the Normans. Keith was in the birdcage today so he’s got a great thrill out of it too.”

Owen’s first horse was Corravalley Star (Washington VC) which has won eleven and Borrisokane (Sportswriter) the winner of two.

“He told me one day that he’s better to be lucky than rich and he’s the epitome of that.”

Negus was hopeful of a good run today after Quinn impressed at trials.

“He’s only been beaten once at the trials because we tried him with a running pole and he didn’t respect that. When he goes straight he’s outstanding.”

Negus says Quinn will now line up in the last Sires Stakes Heat at Ashburton.

“He’s got a bit of head gear on because he gets a bit frightened of things. He’s got a nose flap on him, we’ve got a hood on him to keep him calm and a pacifier so he’s not scared of his own shadow. He goes well when he’s all covered up and relaxed. I was very nervous about today’s race because when you think they’re good but you’re not sure………… but I am now.”

Quinn is out of the Artsplace mare Vengeance which has left a handful of winners.

“He’s got an older brother Chase The Stars that Bob Butt trains. He won impressively at Timaru and then Bob turned him out.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink