Pic: Mark leading Roy,Kin Kwo up, to the practice gates -but he wants to know who’s watching first !
It was a case of all hands to the pump at Riccarton on Friday as Mark took all four of his racing team to the track for the first time.
For the Tivaci colt (Beau) and the Proisir colt (Baz) it was their first time,doing two rounds of easy work with Kin Kwo and Kate Reading doing the honours in the saddle. Considering it was their first try they emerged from the visit with plenty of positives.
“Beau”, Tivaci colt, showing a lot of interest in his surroundings
“They have done very well. I’m pleasantly surprised because it is all new to them and as colts you have to hope there are not too many distractions” said Mark who had Lee Pilcher as right hand man and plenty of well wishers.
Roy has about had enough of barrier education for today but Terry Moseley offers to persuade him to do it once more-which he did well
“I can do quite a bit at home with them on the big track. With the conditioner I can add more top to the surface and they go ok on it.But sooner or later they have to get used to coming to the track and the extra distractions and they have started well”
Buster Shaw and Roy returning from exercise
Buster Shaw (Buster) the three year old War Decree colt Mark is training for Kerry Shaw and his family and the Savabeel colt (Roy) also did two laps of easy pace and then had practice in the open barriers,just walking through gaining confidence in the more confined spaces. Considering this is early days for Roy he did well. Buster is a relaxed colt and found it no trouble.
“He could be ready for a trial in a few weeks” Mark said of Buster, whose dam,Udiditagain,bred by Kevin and Pam Hughes from their mare,Tio Iris,was raced by the Shaw syndicate. She won the Dunedin Champagne Stakes,was second in the Wakefied Challenge Stakes at two and was tried twice at Group 1 level at two and three,so some early form from Buster Shaw would not surprise.
Udiditagain was ridden in her Wingatui victory by Terry Moseley who paused to lend a hand with Roy on his way to nearby workout gates where Buster is soon to be. There were heats of workouts during the morning.
The youngsters being colts were generally relaxed though “Beau” tended perhaps to be more easily distracted. Kin Kwo as the senior rider impressed with his patience and Kate was also up for the early education session.
Baz (Proisir colt) and Beau easing down on the 2nd round
