NZ HARNESS NEWS
One of Southland’s most promising horses has been sold in a big money deal that has seen it head to Victoria.
Back In The Day, an unbeaten four-year-old son of Washington VC, has already arrived in Melbourne after his Gore owner/trainer Tony Holland agreed to let him go.
“I was a bit reluctant to sell him because horses as good as him are hard to come by,” said Holland.
“But eventually the offers got too good to refuse and I had to make the decision.”
His debut effort to win at Ascot Park in late November was impressive, but a seven-length demolition job at Gore on December 27 really got Holland’s phone ringing.
Longtime Southland harness Dave McDonald caller saw all he needed to see that day.
“I thought he was a Cup horse in the making,” noted McDonald today.
Holland, who works 12-hour shifts at the Fonterra plant in Edendale, said the sale price was enough to give his family some security moving forward, and that’s ultimately what it came down to.
He won’t be rushing out and buying a yearling next month to replace him, though.
“I’ve still got his dam and I have a Stunin Cullen two-year-old and a Shadow Play yearling out of her to play around with.
“I also have another horse, Tangled Up In Blue, which I got to keep Back In The Day company, and I think he’ll win a race before the season is over.”
Back In The Day’s dam, Bragato, is by Ermis and Holland recalls being given her by Earl Swain as a juvenile in 2003.
“I went around there to pick up another horse off Earl and this wee two-year-old chestnut took my eye.
“I asked what it was and he said I could have her too if I liked.
“As I was driving out the gate he said make sure you put earplugs in her when you work her.
“I can see what he meant; she was a handful and had a lot of ability but never won a race after getting hurt.”
Her first three foals have all won races, including the handy Whynottagrey (by Klondike Kid).
“I might send her to Bettor’s Delight next season now and give her a chance with a top stallion.”
Holland also owns the promising maiden trotter Picketts Ridge, which is trained by fellow Gore horseman John Ryan and has placed in two of his three career starts to date.
Holland sent him to Ryan after qualifying him.
“He’s got a lot of ability but has a wild streak; my wife was scared of him so I thought it would be best to send him to John.
“He goes alright and should win some races.”
- NZ Harness News.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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