If the harness racing stocks in the open class ranks in New Zealand were already looking a bit thin lately, then they just got a bit thinner again today with the sale of high class pacer Te Kawau to the Bob Bresnahan stables in New Jersey, USA.
The 5 year old son of Bettor's Delight has always looked a star in the making since making his debut as a late two year old and his record of 12 wins and 14 placings from just 39 starts is testament to that.
A very unlucky fifth in last months Auckland Cup behind Have Faith In Me, Te Kawau looks to be just reaching his prime as a racehorse and should do a huge job in North America.
Trainer Stephen Doody was philosophical about the sale of his stable star.
"The owners looked at overall picture here and like everyone else thought that beating the Purdon runners was never going to be easy and that those big barns have plenty more coming through so I can understand their decision to sell."
"With his gate speed and toughness,I think he is ideally suited to racing in North America and will do a huge job up there for his new owners," Stephen said.
Te Kawau wont lack for company on his trip from Palmerston North to New Jersey with his very promising stablemate Alta Leroy also on the plane with him.
The five year old son of Life Sign only started racing twelve months ago and in 15 starts since has won four and been placed six times and has looked a very promising pacer in the process.
A great second at Auckland recently to Stroke Of Luck in a 1:57mr for the 2200 metres impressed his new owners in New Jersey and sealed the sale.
"It is never easy to have two horses of their quality leave the barn at one time but Alta Leroy will do a great job up there as well.
"He is only just learning the racing game and has it all in front of him."
"With those two racing up there now, I have a good excuse to take a holiday in North America to watch them race," Stephen said.
With the interest from North America for quality racehorses from New Zealand on the rise in the last few months, Te Kawau and Alta Leroy can expect to have plenty more Kiwi horses join them in the Northern Hemisphere before this season is over.
Harnesslink Media
