Bits n Bridles

Harnesslink’s Tuesday Throwback Paleface Adios received a huge response with more than 60,000 views on facebook.

The post triggered lots of memories of the horse that was affectionately called the Temora Tornado.

A race that lives in the memories of those who saw it is the 1974 Miracle Mile, when Paleface Adios and Hondo Grattan fought it out in the last lap. Victory went to Hondo Grattan, to the enthusiastic applause of the crowd. A great race to watch.

Paleface Adios never did win the Interdominion, Australasia’s biggest race, but he did win eight heats of the event, including two heats in 1980 at Harold Park as a 10 year old.

In his first attempt at the Inter Dominion in 1974, he was involved in a multi horse fall at the start and did not finish.

At one time he held the world record for 1,000 metres, following a time trial at Hawkesbury New South Wales.

He became known as the ‘Nellie Melba’ of trotting as he was retired to stud on several occasions only to be brought back again to race successfully at the top level.

Racing throughout Australia, from Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane and across to Adelaide and Perth, he was a true legend of the sport.

Owner Julie Maghzal looks to have another nice trotter in Habibti Amar (Propulsion).

The three year old trotting filly trained by Greg and Ben Hope, sat parked on debut at Rangiora on Sunday and won narrowly, but untouched.

Habibti Amar is out of Habibti Ivy which won nine races and has four features on her CV; the 2017 Group One Anzac Cup, the Four and Five Year Old Trotters Championship, the DG Jones Memorial and the New Zealand Trotting Oaks.

At stud she has left The Ivy League which won three and is now being bred from by John and Katrina Price. She also left Habibti Pat who is a talented eight win trotting mare.

In New Zealand, Propulsion has sixteen foals on the ground for five starters and two winners with four others qualified. His oldest progeny are three.

Wai Erye based stallion Carlton is enjoying a great run. At Rangiora on Sunday two of his three year olds quinellaed the one win trot.

Just For Today and Brooks Street, both trained by Greg and Ben Hope, ran one and two.

This season Carlton’s had five starters with three winners from six races. He’s received good support from breeders.

Three top two year olds were back at the Addington trials on Tuesday.

Unbeaten Tour Party (Bettor’s Delight) trained by Cran and Chrissie Dalgety won the heat from Chiggsy (Bettor’s Delight) with half a length separating the pair.

Welcome Stakes winner Travel Agent (Art Major) broke halfway down the straight, finishing last.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink