The Kirstin Green trained trotting mare Spiritinthesky (Father Patrick) put in a herculean effort in the Jimmy Dillon Cup Gold Chip Final at Winton today.

After sitting three wide for close to 1200 metres the trotting mare had the audacity to come away at the finish.

Spiritinthesky began well off the twenty metre handicap but Green was unable to get her cover early so she was forced to sit three wide early. At the winning post with a lap to run she was forced to release the mare’s headgear, normally reserved for the end of a race.

“With a round to go I said ‘we’re done.’ But I knew she could stay,” owner Murray Swain said.

She then had to be driven up. And after getting to the parked spot, Green drove her on and she finally made the inside running line and the lead, with 800 metres to run.

After such a taxing run you’d expect the tank to be getting near empty. But the six year old mare just kept trucking and went down to the line to win by nine and a quarter lengths.

Although Green did all the work on the track, the race was a hard watch for Swain.

“You’ve got to drive her ugly. She got across to the lead and she just keep going.”

SPIRITINTHESKY REPLAY

Spiritinthesky began her racing career with Kevin Townley and wasn’t placed in seven starts, before Swain bought her off Gavelhouse for $1,200.

“I like the ones that are up and going. I can’t be bother making them. I always like maiden trotters that can run fifth at Addington because it’s a better grade up there.”

Since Spiritinthesky has been with Green’s stable she’s won three races, run second seven times and been placed third six times, earning stakes worth $48,347.50.

“The funny thing is, I offered her to Neville Cleaver for $1,000 after she won a race. He keeps reminding me that he should have bought her (laughter). She’s won another $30,000 since.”

Swain’s first even trotting purchase was Sally Lindenny. She’d won five races for Kevin Townley and Swain bought her for $3,000 also off Gavelhouse and under Green’s care she won another six races.

“I bought her because I’d never really had trotters. At that stage I went down to Kirstin’s because she went on holiday. That was a couple of years ago and I haven’t left.”

Swain has since branched out and has a number of young trotters, including Kairo who’s a full brother to Sally Lindenny.

“I think he’s quite smart.”

His love of trotters goes back to Game Paul, the winner of twenty races. The smart trotter was developed by Colin Baynes and his brother Robin and Murray was able to drive him once in work.

“He gave me a great thrill. You could have sat a glass on his bum, he was that smooth. They’re just beautiful to drive.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink