Way Coola makes it a special win for Tomlinson

Kerryn Tomlinson didn’t have a long list of thank yous to deliver after Way Coola’s maiden harness racing win on Hannon Memorial Day.

Tomlinson can take nearly all of the credit for her horse’s success as she bred, owns, trains and drove her to win.

But she’s quick to thank those who helped her on the way to her first success as a breeder.

Way Coola is by Marcoola who was a racetrack star for Tomlinson’s grandfather Ken Ford and uncle Clint Ford.

WAY COOLA REPLAY

Though it may have been inevitable that she would have bred a mare to the stallion, it was her skill in the sulky that led to her breeding Way Coola.

“I am sure I could have got a service to Marcoola, but I actually got this one when I won the New Zealand Junior Champs,” Tomlinson said.

“It was during Covid and there was a chance it wasn’t going to be run, so the juniors rallied around and got sponsors on board.”

“Clint put in a Marcoola service and I ended up getting it.”

Working alongside Brad Williamson, right next door to Phil and Bev Williamson, Tomlinson didn’t have to go far to find some great trotting breeding advice.

“The first thing I did was go to Phil and ask if he had a mare I could use.”

“Most of his mares had Sundon in them but he said No Way would suit Marcoola.”

So while it may seem Tomlinson doesn’t need to thank anyone for her win, she was quick to point out that Williamson and her mother Amanda Tomlinson have played a vital role in her horse’s success.

“Mum broke her in and did a great job, plus she has also had her at home grazing quite a bit.”

“She qualified quite nice and we gave her a good spell, then next time in I wasn’t quite happy with her so I put her out again.”

“She’s done all of her spelling at Mum’s and that extra time has helped her a lot.”

While Way Coola was progressing towards the races, Tomlinson got her hands on a broodmare of her own.

Considering she’s only in her mid-twenties, it’s a fairly significant purchase in the former open-class racemare Destiny Jones.

“I bought the first foal out of her at the yearling sales, Sands Of Destiny.”

“I was keen to get the next one but Brad ended up buying him.”

“That’s Arlo Jones who goes along nice and qualified last month.”

“Dean Hunter kept the next foal but he’s sent it to us to train.”

“Then Brad and I bought the mare off Dean, in foal to Father Patrick.”

“That foal is a weanling now and we have done a bit of handling with her.”

“Destiny is due to foal to Majestic Son next month.”

“She’s not booked in to another stallion yet but we are looking at a few options.”

While Destiny Jones’ plans are not clear just yet, Way Coola’s are much more certain.

After her comprehensive maiden win, the mare will head to Gore later this month for a junior driver’s opportunity.

For complete race results, click here.

by Jonny Turner