Winning debut helps Court to Timaru double

Punters may have had a few regrets after Shepherds Delight (Sky Major) ran to an impressive harness racing victory at Timaru on Tuesday (Apr. 4).

The pacer brought up the first leg of a winning double for trainer Ivan Court with a polished display in race 3.

As he did with Shepherds Delight, Tim Williams also gave Bondi Lustre (Sunshine Beach) a perfect run as she went on to take out race 6 for Court.

Shepherds Delight produced an outstanding beginning, as so many of Court’s horses do, then proved impossible to catch in his 2050m assignment.

Court admitted he hadn’t been thrilled with the circumstances in the horse’s trials leading into his debut.

The pacer was forced to lead up in one and lead the pack up behind a tearaway leader in another, which wasn’t what the trainer had planned.

But when in the lead in his race debut on Tuesday, the three-year-old never looked in doubt despite going out at $34 win odds.

“They obviously don’t rate me as a trainer,” Court quipped.

“He is a half-brother to Emma’s Boy and I have always thought he has been better than Emma’s Boy.”

“He is a nice wee horse and he has got great manners, you can do anything with him.”

After giving Shepherds Delight every chance, Williams landed Bondi Lustre a perfect run in the trail in race 6.

SHEPHERDS DELIGHT REPLAY

And the mare made full use of it to score.

“She is no star but she is a good honest racehorse,” Court said.

Rather than praise Williams for his winning double, Court was more inclined to have the reinsman on.

“He drove them well, but I tried not to tell him that,” the trainer quipped.

“I said you were lucky to drive them.”

Tuesday’s winning double continued a good run for the Court stable, with Silk running to victory at Addington last month.

The mare has been retired with eight wins to her name.

Silk has been racing in foal recently after being served by Downbytheseaside.

For complete race results, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand