By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
It’s been more than six months since Josh Mantell last saw Tour Party. The change has been obvious.
“He’s just so much bigger,” says Mantell.
Earlier this year Mantell was the winner of the Harness Racing New Zealand Next Gen “Win a Share in a Race Horse” competition. He entered the competition at the Motukarara races last December. His prize was a 3.5% share in Tour Party, a full brother to multiple Group 1 winner Republican Party.
Bred by Price Bloodstock in Winton, Tour Party (Bettor’ Delight – Democrat Party) was purchased by Cran and Chrissie Dalgety for $150,000 at the 2024 NZB Christchurch Yearling Sales.
Mantell, an electrician by trade, has not had any previous involvement with racing horses but as a racing fan is enjoying his new found status as an owner.
“It is real cool.”
Mantell first saw Tour Party at the Dalgetys’ open day at Kentuckiana Lodge in February and has been regularly updated with videos since then.
On Saturday he was back at the West Melton stables to check on his progress.
“They are such a great bunch of people.”
So has Tour Party matured since last time?
“Oh massively!” says Mantell, “the last time I saw him I was towering over him, now it’s the other way round.”
There are no concrete plans yet about his immediate racing future though Mantell says the son of Bettor’s Delight appears to be making good progress.
“They (the Dalgetys) seem pretty happy with him.”
“It’s exciting and I’ve got some mates and workmates who are pretty keen to see him race.”
That could be early 2026 and Mantell, mullet and all, can’t wait.
To see more about Next Gen, HRNZ’s initiative aimed at getting new and younger people involved in horse ownership, click here
