Speedy mare Francent to debut for new trainer

Four-win mare Francent (Vincent) will debut for new trainer Mark Jones at Winton on Thursday.

The four-year-old was formerly with her Westport-based harness racing trainer Robert Higgins but he’s decided it’s time for her to officially go to Jones’ Burnham barn along with stable-mate and four-race winner Destiny Dance.

“Francent was always going to go to Mark’s – he’s been doing all the work with her anyway.”

“He also broke her in and did all the early education with her,” says Higgins, “and I’m here on the Coast and it is just too difficult, there’s no racing here at this time of the year.”

Francent has been a great performer in 2025 for Higgins, with three wins and three seconds and over $30,000 in stakes.

Her last start in his colours was a fifth behind Trump Card at Addington last Friday.

“She’s just been getting tough draws and still running 55 halves and a last quarter in 26 so she has some ability,” says Higgins.

Her last assignment before having a spell will be the Silk Road Series for Fillies and Mares.

“I brought her in in July last year and she’s only had a mini break since then.”

On Thursday she has drawn the outside of the front line in the Diamond Creek Farm/ SBSR Silk Road Series Heat 2 Mobile Pace.

Thursday is the second heat, with the first being won by Double Quick at Winton on May 8. Running through to the end of July, the series will feature 24 heats (worth up to $17,000) and 11 finals (worth up to $34,000) right around the country, with total stakes of around $700,000.

Higgins also bred the mare. She’s by Vincent out of Mary Niven and is her fifth foal.

She’s also produced good winners in Rocknroll Niven (3 wins), Queenofdance (7 wins), Songbird (4 wins) and Killarney Dance (3 wins).

He’s hopeful Francent might be the best yet.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Dave Di Somma, for Harness News Desk