By Michael Guerin
One of New Zealand’s most promising trotters has been bought by one of the legends of the industry just days out from the Harness Jewels.
Which means Oscar Bonavena will join the All Stars army for Saturday’s massive meeting at Cambridge.
After having looked an outstanding talent in just two start for trainer Phil Williamson the two-year-old colt was sold to former Kiwi now US-based trainer Chris Ryder and the godfather of New Zealand harness racing Roy Purdon.
Roy’s son Mark will be the new trainer, with partner Natalie Rasmussen to drive Oscar Bonavena on Saturday in the $125,000 two-year-old trot.
“He is a lovely colt and I was very impressed at Addington last start when he finished second to our other horse, Enhance Your Calm,” said Purdon.
“So we are thrilled to get him for Chris and of course for Dad.”
While no trainer likes to see a horse as good as Oscar Bonavena leave the stable, Williamson was all smiles yesterday.
“It is a good sale and I hope he turns out to be a champion for them,” said Williamson.
“It is a very good price, which it needed to be as we had a lot of interest in the horse.
“And obviously he is going to a great home.”
Williamson got a kick out of Roy Purdon taking a half share in the son of Majestic Son after he came out to watch Mark trial Oscar Bonavena on Monday.
“I said to Mark at the time, you are not bad having a bloke like him (Roy) come and give you a second opinion.
“But I am thrilled Roy got a share in him, he is the legend after all.”
Usually any horse joining the All Stars days before a group one race would shorten dramatically in the market but with Williamson one of the most highly regarded trainers of trotters in this part of the world, any great price slash for Oscar Bonavena would be an over-reaction.
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