Upset win gives Scheuber first training success

Things have gone full circle for Mitchell Scheuber with his first ever training success at Rangiora yesterday.

Three years ago he was helping out Sam Thornley with his then maiden trotter Dragons Sunrise before she gave Thornley his first win as a trainer at Banks Peninsula in April 2023.

And now, with Thornley in the sulky, the 30-year-old Scheuber has had his breakthrough success with My Ten Guitars on his home track.

“To win my first with Sam too makes it even more special,” says Scheuber.

It was just the second time Thornley has driven the horse for Scheuber, the first was a ninth at Addington last year.

My Ten Guitars was the rank outsider in the 12-horse field in the Valley Inn Tavern Mobile Pace.

After being four back the running line early on a mid-race shuffle up proved vital to their chances as they improved into the one-one.

At the home turn Thornley peeled out and looked the winner a long way out as My Ten Guitars won by nearly two lengths, paying $56 for the win.

“It was a bit of a shock,” says Scheuber, “though her work has been really good.”

He bought her as an unraced mare off gavelhouse for $500 in 2024.

Yesterday was career win number four, the other three were with Geoff Dunn.

Scheuber is good mates with Dunn’s son James.

“I worked for Geoff while at high school and then when I finished school I went fulltime with him.”

“My Ten Guitars was my project horse, I owned her and Geoff helped me along the way.”

The Downbytheseaside mare is now raced by Thurman Syndications No 4, one of about 10 syndications Scheuber has put together over the years.

“They have been just the best owners and I can’t thank them enough.”

Last year Scheuber got his training licence and My Ten Guitars is the only horse he has in work. He is based at Rangora Racecourse where his day job is breaking in and pre-training horses for the Dunns’ Diamond Racing.

Yesterday’s first win was his 20th start as a trainer though he did pick up two placings with My Ten Guitars last season.

MY TEN GUITARS REPLAY

He is still pinching himself that it happened.

“It’s been unreal the support I’ve had from the community .. I would have had over 100 people contact me.”

“I have watched the video a lot and I’m going to watch it a lot more too!”

For complete race results, click here.

by Dave Di Somma, for Harness News Desk