Resolve returns to racing after becoming a mum

Classy mare and new mum Resolve’s (Andover Hall) re-appearance at the races, after a long spell away, will add plenty of interest to Sunday’s feature trot at Oamaru.

The now eight-year-old, trained by Paul Nairn, is not only starting a new harness racing campaign but she’s returning to the Jasmyn’s Gift Fillies and Mares Stakes, the same Group 3 she won in 2023.

Her last race was in January 2024, just over two and a half years ago.

“She cracked a pastern bone and then had an operation and a long spell,” says Nairn.

She was also transferred to the broodmare paddock, last year foaling a King Of The North filly.

Getting her back to the races was always on the cards and Nairn is satisfied with her progress, though not particularly buoyant.

“She’s trotting nice and working ok,” he says, “but I’m not too enthused.”

A Rating 79 trotter, with 11 wins including several at Group level, Resolve will start off the equal back mark of 20 metres alongside the likes of $5.50 favourite Ya Rite Darl.

Resolve will be driven by Anthony Butt and is currently at $16.

“She’s not 100 per cent fit and will obviously benefit from the run,” Nairn says. 

Included in the field are seven Williamson-trained runners on their home patch with Phil lining up Atlantic City, Have A Little Faith and Empire City while sons Brad (Kracka Looka and Penelope Lane) and Matthew (Pyramid Rose and Princess Sadie) have two each.

Such is the open nature of the field that the TAB has guaranteed a $5000 First 4.

To see the field click here

by Dave Di Somma, for Harness News Desk