Racing: Colt joins the All Stars army

Driver Mark Purdon. Photo / Scott Hamilton

One of New Zealand's most promising trotters has been bought by one of the legends of the industry just days out from the Harness Jewels.

Oscar Bonavena will join the All Stars army for Saturday's massive meeting at Cambridge.

After having looked an outstanding talent in just two starts for trainer Phil Williamson, the two-year-old colt was sold to former Kiwi now US-based trainer Chris Ryder and the godfather of New Zealand harness racing Roy Purdon.

Roy's son, Mark, will be the new trainer, with partner Natalie Rasmussen to drive Oscar Bonavena on Saturday in the $125,000 two-year-old trot.

"He is a lovely colt and I was very impressed at Addington last start when he finished second to our other horse, Enhance Your Calm," said Purdon.

"So we are thrilled to get him for Chris and, of course, for Dad."

Although no trainer likes to see a horse as good as Oscar Bonavena leave the stable, Williamson was all smiles yesterday.

"It is a good sale and I hope he turns out to be a champion for them," said Williamson.

"It is a very good price, which it needed to be as we had a lot of interest in the horse.

"And obviously he is going to a great home," he said.