Sinclair brothers hit the big time

Wyndham based harness racing brothers and owners Bruce and Al Sinclair are having the time of their lives and the ride continued last night when their mare Lakelsa (Captaintreacherous) trained by Regan Todd, won the Group Two Garrards ‘Premier Mares’ Championship Mobile Pace.

“As Regan said, she only really started serious work when he took her home after the Oaks. Every other time she was in work she’d hurt herself. She’s just learning how to race. Every time he gives her ten days off and brings her back she seems to be better,” Bruce said.

From her good draw, driver Robbie Close took Lakelsa straight to the lead and got away unchallenged with some cheap quarters. He only extending his mare in the last 800 metres which was cut out in 55.1. The overall time for the 1980 metres was 2-23.2 with a mile rate of 1-56.3.

“She knocked off close to the line but I think she’ll improve with the run. She’s a mare that’s just getting better with racing. We’ve still got the kicking gear on her because you still wouldn’t trust her,” Close said.

LAKELSA REPLAY

As a young horse Lakelsa broke a number of carts and broke Southland horseman Brad Morris’s knee, which put him out of action for a number of months.

Bruce said a lot of time has been spent on her and they’ve pretty much got her right. “She would still kick you but she’s not like she used to be.”

Lakelsa was bred by the brothers, who are an integral part of the Wyndham Harness Racing community.

She’s the first foal out of the unraced Real Desire mare Oh Tara. The brothers have had plenty of success from the family. Winners include Havinaravup (4), Leigh Major (5) and Mr Handleman (5).

“We had Past The Speights in the Invercargill Cup but this is the first one we’ve had that’s been up in this sort of grade.”

The five year old mare who’s been one of the finds this summer has now won five of her fourteen starts, including her last three.

“She got sixth in her first start at Wyndham and has never been further back than that ever since.”

Lakelsa will head to the $100,000 Group One Fahy Fence Hire New Zealand Standardbred Breeder Stakes in a fortnight which is raced over 2600 metres. Todd and Close won the 2022 edition with Bettor Talk Art.

“I don’t think the distance will worry her because she’s just so big and strong.”

The win extends the marvellous record Southern mares have in this race with Beaudiene Bad Babe winning in 2010 and 2011, It’s Ella for Megan and Brendon McLellan in 2007 and 2008, Lento 1994 and 1996 and Scapa Chip for the Lees in 1990. Scapa Chip and It’s Ella are also from the Wyndham area.

“Gordon Lee reminded me of that last week. I remember after Snow (Brendon McLellan) won this race he had a big flash shirt on for the $100,000 race (New Zealand Standardbred Breeder Stakes) so I might have to wear a flash shirt like him (laughter).”

The Todd and Sinclair families go a long way back with Regan’s grandfather Ray training trotter Ferry Marshall for the family. He was bred by Bruce and Ala’s uncle Alex Sinclair and raced by their father Jim. His only win was at Wyndham in November 1978.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink