PALMERSTON NORTH - Invercargill racing enthusiasts Jim and Helen Hannan have made an unbelievable start to thoroughbred ownership.
Better known in harness racing circles in Southland, the Hannans have had just three gallopers to the races so far, and two of them are now group race winners.
Their first thoroughbred venture was Foxwood who won twice at group one level, including the Two Thousand Guineas at Riccarton.
The laundry service operators tasted further glory when Spottswoode won the group three $60,000 Manawatu Classic at Awapuni on Saturday.
Ridden by Michael Coleman, Spottswoode outstayed her talented rivals with a barnstorming finish wide out after settling back early.
The Centaine filly drew away to score comfortably from Jermyn Street, Miss Jessie Jay and Forfar, with favourite Emerald Dream, the winner's stablemate, fifth.
Despite Emerald Dream's failure, Spottswoode's success delighted trainer Roger James, who was not surprised by the victory.
"I knew as soon as she struck a true staying test on raceday, she'd come through," James said.
Spottswoode went into the race with just five races under her belt, the worst result being a sixth placing in the Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Trentham in January.
James said he would probably aim for group one glory with Spottswoode before her 3-year-old season is over.
"I haven't made up my mind yet, but she will almost certainly be in Adelaide or Brisbane for the Oaks races," he said.
By Centaine from Sound Reason mare Fifteen Reasons, Spottswoode was a $75,000 Karaka yearling purchase by James on behalf of the Hannans. She is her dam's first foal.
A brother to Spottswoode sold for $50,000 to Sydney trainer Kerry Jordan in 1999 while a filly sister to them went for $80,000 last month.
"The filly sold last month was bought by Glenlogan Park Stud, Queensland, but is likely to end up in the Roger James' stable as well," said breeder Tom Williams.
Fifteen Reasons, who won four races from the Ashburton stable of Jan Hay, missed to Centaine last year, but will visit the same sire again this year.
- NZPA
Racing: Barnstorming filly likely to aim for group one glory
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.