By Matt Markham
Any win is special, but for John Morrison a win for Warren Stapleton means just that little bit more.
The two Mid Canterbury men have had a long association, despite Morrison’s young age, and on Sunday at Motukarara they combined for their second win as driver and trainer when Leading The Way did exactly as the name would suggest and won.
Stapleton, along with guys like Mike Heenan, has been a big supporter of Morrison since he started driving and the youngster said winning races for guys like that was hugely rewarding.
“They are the sort of people who have helped me get to where I am,” Morrison said.
“Right from when I started driving at workouts and trials they supported me and gave me opportunities.
“So to win another race for Warren was great.”
A run of consistent performances had Leading The Way pegged as a serious contender in an open field yesterday and courtesy of a perfect drive from Morrison the seven-year-old gelding was able to make the most of it.
“He’s a bit of a funny horse, he loves to follow the speed but often he will sprint up and knock off but he really wanted to find the line which was great.
“He deserved that win because he’s been going such big races recently.
“Warren has done a great job with him.”
Leading The Way has had 16 starts since joining Stapleton’s stable back in July last year and has won once, three times finished second and also three times been placed third for stakes of more than $10,000.
“He’s a nice wee money earner and will relish the new handicapping system because he won’t get too high up in the grades.”
Stapleton and Morrison had gone close to success earlier in the day when Here We Are ran second in the maiden trot.
The win gave Morrison his seventh win of the season in what is his second season of driving, taking him one win past his tally of six from last season.
“The goal was to beat that and I have so I’m happy but with a wee while to go this season perhaps I’d like to get to double figures.”
The former Ashburton College student is keeping himself busy working for the leading stable of Steven McRae at Spreydon Lodge in the mornings before heading out to do farrier work in the afternoon.
He’s also training three horses of his own, a maiden trotter and two maiden pacers.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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