Harness racing driver Gavin Smith knows the sort of horsepower that lives under the bonnet of Who’s Delight (Bettor’s Delight) and he used every bit of the gelding’s talent tonight when winning the $40,000 Betavet Uncut Gems Geldings and Entires Classic at Addington.
Smith who is well matched with the talented often wayward gelding, got to the front and left his rivals breathless. He won by two and a half lengths – running the 1980 metres in 2-20.1 with the last half in 28.4.
WHO’S DELIGHT REPLAY
The New Zealand record for the distance is 2-17.0 held by South Coast Arden.
“We’ve left Gav on. Johnny (Dunn) could have driven him in a couple of starts but we decided to keep Gav on. He gets on really well with him,” co-trainer Robert Dunn who trains in partnership with his daughter- in-law Jenna said.
Throughout his career Who’s Delight has shown stacks of ability, but often hasn’t raced favorably.
“He’s a quirky horse. When I had him in Auckland last year he’d do a U-turn and come back to the stables in the blink of an eye. Even when he was at the beach he’d disappear and he’d be back at the stables. As a young horse he had really bad manners but we knew he had real speed.”
The horse has now won nine races and he recently gained his standing start ticket.
“We might give him one stand before he has a bit of a spell. Johnny and I will sit down tomorrow and see what’s available for him.”
Dunn says later in the season he sees Who’s Delight starting in a race like the Kaikoura Cup.
“One of those sorts of races for a starter. We’ll definitely consider the New Zealand Cup. He’s getting wiser and smarter all the time. One thing he’s always done is paced even if he’s been a naughty boy.”
by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink