Yearlings seen at workouts

For the first time that I can remember, yearlings were running in today’s (Dec. 22) harness racing workouts at Ascot Park in Invercargill.

Because the season is now aligned with Australia and running from January to December, at the end of their one year old season yearlings are permitted to run at organised workouts.

All yearlings now turn two on 1st January and from then on, they have the chance to qualify. And races will be programmed for the newcomers.

Today’s heat was over 1700 metres from the mobile, and four runners were competing, all trained by Clark Barron. 

The heat was won by Rakaruin (Sweet Lou – Raksdeal filly) with Showsomejoy (Art Major – Somejoy filly) running second. Rakadeaks (Sunshine Beach – Rakarata colt) finished third and Miki’s Beauty (Always B Miki – Dancing Dixie filly) fourth.

The winning time was 2-17.5.

RAKARUIN REPLAY

In July 1976 I recall Testing Times (Schell Hanover) time trialling as a yearling. On a slushy Alexandra Park he ran a mile in 2-09-9 which was 0.7 seconds outside Blue’s (Local Light) long held world record for yearlings.

In July 1977 Avalon (Lopez Hanover) reduced Blue’s record to 2-06.8 while two years later Graham Brown (Assault) lowered the mark to 2-05.9.

This season has been one of change and yearlings appearing at workouts will soon become the norm.

For complete workout results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink