It may be surprising but when 7 All Stars team members leave for Auckland on Friday in charge of Nathan one will be the first horse trained by the stable for well known owners and breeders Paul and Pauline Renwick.
Surprising because both have been so prominent in harness racing for so long. And two present members of the team, Samhara and the brilliant Akuta, were both purchased by Mark from the Renwick Farms sales offering and have bought several others over the years.
“No we haven’t had one before. We haven’t been asked !” Mark quipped
“More than happy to have one for Paul and Pauline though and look forward to the association”
The filly,Sucitra, won a trial at Rangiora on Wednesday and will be headed for age group events at the Auckland carnival and “possibly the (Pascoe) Oaks if her form justifies it” Mark said
Circumstances have dictated the stable move, Sucitra previoiusly being trained by Darren Keast,the Renwick’s grandson and team trainer.
“Darren is caught up with a lot to do at this time of year with the Sales and all and it is not easy for him to travel so Paul asked if we would take over the campaign” Mark said
Paul Renwick has been a major player in harness racing for many years as an owner (his first horse was Nostradamus), club executive (Addington) breeder (15 elitely bred yearlings in the 2023 sale including a brother to Akuta). He and Pauline have sponsored races over many years probably numbering in four figures with several Group One events including the Dominion Handicap among them.
Sucitra is a Bettor’s Delight from a mare,Solandra,by the treasured broodmare sire Artsplace and tracing th the Messenger winner, Tempest Tiger, a special feat when mares beating the males was harder than now.
Sucitra’s half-sister Samskara, winner of eight, has her first foal in the sale this year and a fullbrother Samhara is a promising type at Rolleston.
Sucitra may already be a winner but for disaster striking on her debut at Addington in June last year. Bob Butt had launched her challenge along the passing lane and she looked a likely winner close to the line when she blundered and fell.
Age and experience will change all that and she will be adding to the family record on the Auckland campaign one which the Renwick breeding influence will be a cornerstone of the racing team.