By Duane Ranger
Ross Cameron learnt everything he knows about harness racing from his father Kerry – so the 29-year-old Canterbury horseman was absolutely delighted his first training success was also a victory for his Dad and family.
“It’s pretty satisfying actually. It’s good to get it out of the way – and to do it for Dad (Kerry) and Uncle Trevor is extra special. They own him and my Uncle bred him,” Cameron said.
The horse he was referring to was McArdle gelding Joe The Hunter. The 5-year-old won the eighth race at Manawatu Raceway last night (Thursday) – the $7,000 Cartown Palmerston North mobile for C2 and C3 pacers.
He was having his first start at Manawatu Raceway and gave Cameron his first training win at his fourth attempt. He has only had his licence this season.
“I hadn’t run a place in my previous three starts so it’s nice to win so soon in my career. Now that’s out of the way I want to notch up as many winners as I possibly can,” Cameron said.
Cameron has three race-horses in work at Coes Ford in Canterbury. The other two are un-raced 5-year-old Beragio and three-win pacer Bobby T, who finished ninth in race nine last night.
“Joe The Hunter is the best I’ve got, but I’ve also got a few 2-year-olds and yearlings I haven’t done much with yet,” he said.
Cameron said at almost 30 he was now starting to fulfil a passion that he had inherited since his early years.
“Dad has trained off and on since the late 1980s. My parents, grandparents and Uncles have always been interested in harness racing. It was a natural progression,” he said.
Born in Christchurch Cameron attended Ellesmere College before joining his family’s Christchurch-based bus touring business – Adventure Touring Ltd.
When he left school he undertook office work, driving and the organisation of drivers.
“I still work in the family business on the side and it’s great that I’m still able to train my own team. I’m glad we brought the horses up to Palmerston North. There were no junior driver’s races that suited “Joe’ down south and when we saw this penalty free race we jumped at the opportunity.
“Kyle (Marshall) drove him brilliantly. He even said he felt that he had a bit more left in the tank at the end, which is encouraging. I think he’s well capable of winning a few more,” Cameron said.
Joe The Hunter, who started from the ace draw, was a $3.20 second favourite. Marshall rushed him to the lead early and then dictated all the pace to win by half a length and three-quarters of a length from P Tomado (Andre Poutama) and favourite Alta Leroy (Andrew Drake).
The winner paced the 2000m mobile in 2:33.4 (mile rate (2:03.4) with final 800m and 400m sprints of 58.7 and 28.2.
It was his fifth career win in 22 starts. Craig Thornley and The Hopes – Greg and Nina were the bay’s previous trainers before Cameron took over the reins towards the end of last season.
“He’s got a bit of potential and I think he will go alright on the second day (Sunday). I’ve taken my time with him and he’s strengthened up nicely.
“I think he can go on with it, especially after Kyle told me how strong he felt at the end. I have no worries about him backing up.
“Bobby T is also better than what he showed tonight (Thursday). That was my second start with him and he just needs a bit of racing under his belt.
“He was beaten for early speed when drawing one and then trailed before being swamped out wide. He can surprise with the right run, but ‘Joe’ is definitely my best chance on day two,” said Cameron.
Booby T was also previously trained by Thornley and then the Hopes.
Cameron said Joe The Hunter would return home after Sunday’s meeting, be rested for four to five days before targeting Christmas Cup racing at either Westport, Gore, or Motukarara.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
