Harness Racing has more than its fair share of fairytales but Newcastle’s July 23rd meeting played host to one of the sports best
Apart from her $121.80 mammoth payout there was nothing that appeared extra ordinary about the win of Shandrara Shannon to all but two of harness racings devotees Peter and Marie Neil the breeders of the Mcardle filly
It was her first win but it chalked up the 1,200th race success for the popular couple who race their horses under the Rayngold banner
Having experienced the enjoyment of attending the celebrations for their 1000th victory milestone in 2013 the writer now has the pleasure of conveying details of the huge contribution Peter and Marie have made to harness racing especially in New South Wales
Their story is proof of just how important owner/breeders are to the viability of the sport.
Owner/breeders provide the product and the direct and indirect employment for thousands but when it comes to commensurate recognition for their contribution they often seem to be overlooked by industry administrators
This has not worried the Neil’s’ whose passion is more about helping the industry and up and coming participants together with their love of horses
Their first racing season of 1994 bought six winners and some twenty two years later their stable has achieved their 1,200th victory
Along the way they have experience that special thrill of success with the likes Roman Gladiator ($424,516) a NZ Sires Stakes winner and NSW Derby winner, Oneinamillion (Awarded USTA World Champion status in 1998) Comic Song a winner at both the Meadowlands and Yonkers and Shannonsablast ($224,845) a 2015 Perth Inter Dominion heat winner
They have bred and raised sixteen “Shannon” progeny that have won in excess of $100,000
In between these successes they have given back to the sport by accepting executive roles with the NSW Breeders Association, New South Wales Standardbred Owners Association, sponsoring the Owners Association annual “Lucky Owners” prize of an “International Trip of a Lifetime” and numerous Clubs and races
To support the breeding industry they have invested in stallions including Ball and Chain and Million Dollar Cam and they breed around thirty foals each year at their Shannon Springs property near Goulburn
They derive great pleasure from helping lesser known participants enjoy success in the sport
Many new aspiring reinspersons have benefitted from opportunities to establish their careers under the watchful eye of Peter Bullock their lead trainer at Shannon Lodge Stables located near Bathurst
I’m sure that all of those in our sport that have had the pleasure of meeting Peter and Marie would join with me in congratulating them for their 1,200th winner milestone and to thank them for their great contribution to a great sport
(Name withheld by request)
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
