Local journalist gets a double

Southland based journalist Jonny Turner was in the winner’s circle twice as an owner today at the Winton Harness Racing meeting at Central Southland Raceway.

His first winner came in the Night ’N Day Winton Trot when Don’t Stop Believing (Creatine) in the hands of Brent Barclay came with a powerful run down centre track to beat Pyramid Mischief by three quarters of a length.

“We got a bit of a running start. It was a great patient drive by Brent. She’s been troublesome, but I haven’t stopped believing (laughter). It did surprise me how well she picked them up because I thought Mark’s horse (Sensitive To A Smile, which led) would have won that, but we’ll take it,” trainer Brett Gray said.

Gray bought the filly at the 2023 NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales for just $10,000 and Southern Harness Chairwoman Penny Baynes and Turner share in the ownership.

Don’t Stop Believing was on the quick back-up having started at Gore on Sunday. But in testing conditions there she broke, putting her out of contention.

“I didn’t even go. I sat at home on the couch.”

The win was one of three today for Gray. His other winners were Jaccka Jim and Foxing Easton.

Turner’s second win came in the Creation Signs MBL Pace when favourite Off The Canvas (Art Major) after receiving the perfect trip, came up the passing lane to run down leader Luxmi and won by a neck, with Franco Newark a length and a quarter back in third.

“It worked out good. But I was happy to stay in front if I had to. We picked a nice one to follow and it worked out good. He got through there nicely but only did what he had to. He’s still learning. He got really keen in his early races as a two year old. I was really pleased to be able to use him off the gate today and once he found a helmet he relaxed really good,” said trainer and driver Nathan Williamson.

Off The Canvas was also a Yearling Sales purchase. He was bought by the now defunct TAB Racing Syndicate but when the concept folded Williamson was able to purchase the gelding and he syndicated him, with Turner buying in.

“I think he could be a nice horse in the future. He’s got high speed.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink