Racing: Better than all square

Ross Graham still pinches himself every time he walks onto a racetrack to watch exciting thoroughbred All Square compete and he admitted to a few nervous moments before the 6-year-old won yesterday's Manawatu Cup at Awapuni.

Graham is better known to harness racing fans as the former part-owner and trainer of outstanding pacing mare Smooth Gretna.

Graham spent a lot of time during this mare's colourful career transporting her from New Plymouth to Alexandra Park to race.

The harness horseman was in the winners' circle at Awapuni yesterday as the co-owner, along with trainer Gary Vile, of All Square.

The son of Vyner's Orb showed plenty of courage and stamina in the home stretch to fight off a determined challenge from Empyreal to win by a long neck. A further length away in third position was the pace setting Kajema.

"It was a stunning effort from All Square to win the Manawatu Cup as he couldn't handle the track conditions but just stuck to his guns.

"I've known Gary [Vile] for about 13 years from the days when he was training in New Plymouth.

"We raced All Square's dam Westerley Belle but she broke down at the trials one day and never made it to the racetrack.

"We bred All Square from Westerley Belle and all he has needed is a bit of time to mature and Gary has done a fantastic job moulding him into a racehorse.

"This is the only galloper I've had race and it's an amazing feeling. I sometimes think I'm dreaming having a thoroughbred as good as this fella to race. The plan is now to head to Ellerslie for the City Of Auckland Cup on January 1 and hopefully we'll strike a better track in that race."

Lisa Cropp rode All Square previously at Trentham when the combination posted an effortless victory on a firm track and has a high opinion of the 6-year-old.

All Square has scored six wins and eight minor placings from 20 starts for Vile, who these days, is based at Awapuni.

"Gary was pretty confident that the horse would go very well in this race earlier this week but that was before the rain arrived.

"He's a far better horse when the track is rock hard but it's pleasing to know that he can compete on a track that has had plenty of rain."

Graham could not do too much celebrating last night as Jaccar, a pacer he bred and part-owns, is racing at the local harness race meeting at New Plymouth today and just for good measure he is also sponsoring a race at this meeting.


- HERALD ON SUNDAY