by Jonny Turner
Teamwork helped turn frustration into winning delight when The Greek Freak broke through at Winton on Thursday.
The trotter produced a gritty effort to break maidens, handing husband-and-wife trainers Richard and Fiona Stevens their first trotting win.
The teamwork that went into The Greek Freak’s win goes beyond what the Stevens have poured into the horse themselves.
Earlier this year, the five-year-old was struggling to trot around the first bend in his races, let alone prove competitive at the finish.
But after getting his manners and gait in check, the squaregaiter built solid form before digging in to win for driver Brent Barclay.
The Stevens were quick to credit several of their southern harness racing counterparts for their support in helping The Greek Freak’s progression.
“I know little about pacers and even less about trotters,” Richard Stevens quipped.
“He wasn’t trotting any good, and Nathan Williamson reckoned he needed more weight in front.”
“So Franksy (Brendan Franks) has worked away at his shoeing and done a great job.”
“Matty Williamson was a big help too — he helped him get his confidence.”
“And Tommy Beckett has been doing chiropractic work on him lately, and it has made a real difference.”
The Greek Freak was purchased in an online auction on Gavelhouse for just $1300, sending him on a journey from Auckland to Winton.
“He cost $1300, and it was $1600 to get him home,” Stevens said.
“At the time, there were only about six or eight maiden trotters going around, so we thought we might be able to pick a race up with him.”
“When you get a new horse, it always takes a month to figure them out, but with this guy, it has been a lot longer.”
“But to say he has tested our patience would be an understatement.”
“He went through a stage of doing 360-degree turns on the track going full speed.”
“He took out the galloping pacemaker one day.”
“But we have worked away with him — it has been a real team effort, and today’s result is very satisfying.”
Given the headaches The Greek Freak has given the Stevens, and the great progress they are making with the trotter, a stint in the spelling paddock isn’t on the horse’s agenda.
“I don’t think he is done with yet.”
“As much as we want to give him a break, we will probably keep ticking away with him.”
“He will tell us when he is ready for a break, but because he is a bit highly strung, he might have a few short breaks here and there.”
Thursday’s victory was win number two for the Stevens’ training partnership.