By MICHAEL GUERIN
Steven Reid is excited. Not that there is anything new in that as the Pukekohe trainer is one of the racing's most enthusiastic people.
But this time he has a good reason to be.
Because this week will see the formation of what promises to be a powerful new combination in New Zealand harness racing.
Reid is joining forces with in-form horseman Brent Mangos in a move that will see his team almost double in size and Mangos become the No1 driver.
Mangos is putting his own training career on hold to become the main driver and right-hand man at Reid's stable.
Many of the horses trained by Mangos will join the operation, racing in Reid's trendy new colours of black with turquoise seams.
"I am excited about the move because I have always had so much time for Brent as a driver," said Reid.
"He is a great judge of pace and I have never really had a driver willing to commit to the stable."
The merger could see Reid with over 30 racehorses in work and having a horseman of Mangos's calibre in the stable opens many doors.
"It means one of us can travel with horses and we will still have an experienced trainer at home to look after the others" said Reid.
"It also means that we will have a driver behind our horses who knows them well from working them at home."
Reid won the trainers' premiership three years ago in partnership with Tremain Thorby and sees some similarities in his latest career move to those of leading trainer Mark Purdon.
"Mark has got a great set-up with Tony Herlihy working there and being the No.1 driver and obviously Brent and I would love things to work out along the same lines."
Mangos joins the Reid stable on a high after winning his first Derby with Matai Mackenzie at Alexandra Park last Friday.
He has also tasted constant success as a trainer this season, being in demand with southern owners who went their horses to race in the north.
"I think some owners like knowing their trainer is also a good driver and Brent will bring that to the set-up too. It should be good for both of us."
The move could see Mangos secure the drive on Reid's top two pacers, last season's New South Wales Oaks winner Dancingonmoonlight and exciting intermediate grade pacer Quick Tip.
Racing: Reid and Mangos joining forces
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