Talk about winding the clock back.
Former Bathurst horseman and now proud Queenslander Jack Butler landed his first driving success in over six years when successful in the opening race at Redcliffe today (Thursday).
His last winner came via Double Tick at Bathurst on December 15, 2010 for trainer and great mate Steve Turnbull.
Butler steered Lochaber to victory in the Five Star Horse Transport Trotters Handicap, the former Victorian gelding was having his first local start.
The feat surprised many given how often he prepares winners.
Butler shot to fame through his successful partnership with rugged and richly talented pacer Dinki Di over a decade ago.
The Chris Frisby trained gelding competed in many Grand Circuit events and finished a game second in the 2005 Victoria Cup behind Be Good Johnny.
Butler made the move to Brisbane just over two years ago after purchasing the Logan Village property of John McCarthy.
And the results have flowed.
But not with Butler in the driver’s seat.
Nowadays, he much prefers to give the younger generation an opportunity on race day and utilises the services of Isobel Ross, Amy Rees, Bart Cockburn and Brendan Barnes among others.
“I much prefer the training aspect of it and with a fairly large team in work, it makes sense to be watching from the sidelines rather than trying to do it all myself.
“I’m happy to give these kids a go, they’re all light and energetic but importantly, they all need a start just like I got many years ago. It can be tough to get a break so I’m happy to give these young ones a start.”
Butler trained over 100 winners last season and enjoyed good success with a number of talented types including former Australian 3yo Filly of the Year Barynya.
After losing form and confidence, connections sent Barynya north to Butler and the spark was re-ignited under the tutelage of the talented horseman.
Barynya won both the Fleur De Lil Ladyship Stakes and the Patrons Purse at Redcliffe before the mare was sold to North America.
Rock With Sam was another quality performer for Butler last season highlighted by his second placing in the Gr.1 QBRED Triad Final behind Changeoverme last July.
Another classy type for Butler is Zara’s Delight, a winner of last season’s Redcliffe Oaks.
And now she’s ready to go again.
“Many of my young horses are close to a return, a number of them have a had a few trials so they should be back racing in the coming weeks. It was a busy season for them so I gave them all a good break.
“Zara’s Delight won her latest trial and she’s ready to go now but I haven’t mapped any firm plans for her yet, she can tell me where we should be heading. Rock With Sam is a talented type and most of his features come up in the back half of the season, he’ll have another trial before he starts.
“Vinland is another little mare that has come back in good order, I really liked her latest trial and I think she’s capable of doing a good job this term.”
As it stands, Butler has driven a total of 285 winners after gaining his licence back during the 1992/93 season.
While as a trainer, the tally currently sits at 587 after launching his career as a trainer during the 2001/02 season.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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