Mistacullect, who was advertised to give away, turned up trumps for new owner Mo Eddington when having his first start at Forbury Park on Thursday night.
“I got him through Horse Trader two years ago. He was advertised to give away. I have got him leased now with a right of purchase,” said Eddington, the caretaker at Waihao Marae in South Canterbury.
“I jogged him up this time last year and sent him to Brent White at the end of January.”
Mistacullect led over the last 1400m and won by two lengths. Stewards placed a warning on his racing manners after he hung in entering the home straight, locked wheels and checked other horses.
Mistacullect was sent out favourite after two workout wins and a seven length trial win in three lead up appearances.
Mistacullect, a 5-year-old gelding by Gotta Go Cullect from the Caprock mare Ballymist, qualified at Wyndham at his first attempt as a 3-year-old when trained by Hamish Hunter at Ryal Bush.
“He had apparently gone sore in a leg but I think he just needed time,’’ said Eddington.
White has had a great season with 28 wins compared with his previous best of 17 on two occasions.
The half-brothers Pyramid Monarch and Pyramid Magic, both trained by Phil Williamson for the same owners, finished first and second in a race for trotters. Steve Hardiman, of Pyramid (Southland) and Neville Hazlett, of Roxburgh are in the ownership of both horses. Ray Lowe, of Invercargill is also an owner of Pyramid Monarch. The trio bred both horses.
Pyramid Monarch, by Monarchy from Diedre’s Dearest, has now won ten races. Pyramid Magic (by Armbro Invasion) has won six.
The start of the race was delayed when lighting in the back straight malfunctioned and could not be restored. Drivers were consulted about a safety issue.
Steve Lock, of Invercargill landed his first quinella as a trainer with Noble Gamble and Scarlett Lane in another race for trotters. It was the initial win for Noble Gamble, an 8-year-old Earl – Gambledon mare having her eighth start.
Bevan’s Cullen, who ran Jackalack Sue to a nose, was claimed for $10,000 by Steve Clark and Frank Jardine, of Dunedin. The 4-year-old has joined the Mosgiel stable of Darryn Simpson.
Bevan’s Cullen is not eligible for the $10,000 claiming final next Thursday as he has not contested two heats. A draw was made from three claims lodged for Bevan’s Cullen, who won five races from the stable of Robert Dunn and another for Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen.
It was the second heat win for Jackalack Sue, trained and driven by Robbie Holmes for Grant Davis and Keith Corbett, of Christchurch.
Trainer Kirstin Barclay and owners Tomy Kilkelly had mixed fortunes in the third heat of the Sprint (1200m) series. They won the race with Jetenara who sat outside the leader, Takitimu Express. Their other horse, Don’t Pass I’m Fast was disqualified from fourth after galloping in the run home.
Kimberly Butt, the driver of Takitimu Express was suspended for four days for excessive use of the whip. Tim Robertson was suspended two days for a similar breach on Lady’s Lass in race 2.
Macador won at his third start since joining the Invercargill stable of Murray Brown a month ago. The 3-year-old was transferred by Ashburton trainer and part-owner John Hay for more suitable races.
Hay races Macador with his veterinarian Ric Turner, who bought the son of Mach Three – J’Adore Bromac after he had been passed in for $25,000 at the premier yearling sale.
