He’s Talking Makes Statement

By Tayler Strong

He’s Talking paid a tribute to the late Ryan Court when he won impressively at Forbury Park on Thursday night at his first start.

“He’s Talking was Ryan’s horse. He did most of the work with him,’’ said Patricia Court, mother of Ryan.

She races He’s Talking with her husband, trainer of the Bettor’s Delight – Sweet Talking Doll 4yr-old at Forbury Park.

“We got Jonny (Cox) to drive He’s Talking as he was a a good friend of Ryan’s.’’

Ryan (35) was choked to death in a Dunedin bar in April, 2014. A male was subsequently sentenced to five years in prison for his manslaughter.

He’s Talking  was bred by the Courts. He is the third foal of Sweet Talking Doll and a brother to Is She talking, winner of 11 races in Western Australia.

Top Brass paid $97 for a win and $17.50 for a place when he prevailed as the outsider in a 14-horse field. Top Brass is owned and trained at Ashburton by Wendy Stevenson  and her partner, Peter Forrest. His previous win was at Rangiora in  June, 2014 and in between times he had raced 19 times for a third placing.

Robbie Close gave him a economical trip, charging along the passing lane from three back.

Ivan Court,a cousin of Kevin, had a win as an owner-trainer with Westburn Jewel, one of three wins for reinsman Blair Oranage on the seven-race card. His other winners were Jules Manzoni and Blink.

Jules Manzoni made the trip from Darfield worthwhile for his owners, Martin Pierson, his wife, Maureen and mother, Jennifer with a first up win. The 4yr-old is trained by Amber Hoffman.

Jules Manzoni settled second last of 12 from a wide draw, improved to second at the 800m and outfinished the pacemaker, Pay Me Ideal. He is a gelding by Rocknroll Hanover from Philetous, an unraced Holmes Hanover mare who has also left the winners Eleanor Roosevelt (six) and Sara Holley for the Piersons.

Bobbins gave ace reinsman Dexter Dunn his initial  win for the season when she led for the last 1500m. It was her first race for 10 weeks and her second win in four starts suggesting lot more will be heard of the Monarchy  – Bobby Jo mare trained by Tony Stratford.

Blink  broke through to win a maiden trot at his 25th start.  Trained  at Mosgiel by Darryn Simpson, he  trotted solidly to lead for the last 1600m.

Until Further Notice, who joined the Oamaru stable of Eion Latimer six weeks ago, regained winning form when he overcame a second line draw aided by junior driver Brad Williamson.

Latimer has a high opinion of Until Further Notice, who won a race when trained by Jim Curtin for owner Russell Nieper.

“I knew Russell from playing cricket and rugby but he just asked me to take the horse out of the blue,’’ said Latimer.