The winners of the Harness Racing New Zealand Owner and Breeder of the Month awards have been decided for June and July.
Every month the winners are selected at random, with the only proviso being that their horses must have won during the specified month.
For June Cheree Wigg (pictured above, right) was breeder of the month after Helius won on debut at Addington while Irene Jessett was the winning owner after Iron Brigade’s success at Alexandra Park on June 13.
“It was very rewarding,” says Wigg, “and we were also relieved, we knew he was good but to have it all come together was a huge achievement.”
Helius is Crackared’s second foal and first colt.
“Crackared was purchased from an All Age sale in Auckland by Bruce Negus. I put her into training and we won five races in the only season we raced her (2019), but she became too high in the ratings so the decision was made to breed from her.”
“I have bred three all from the same mare, Crackared’s first foal was an Always B Miki filly, Audacious,” says Wigg, “she’s been off the place twice and hasn’t been beaten, she showed a lot of ability from a young horse but unfortunately due to an on going issue she will go to stud this season.”
As for Helius, following his debut win, he is being lined up for the Diamond Creek Juvenile Stakes on Hannon Memorial day at Oamaru on September 14.
Iron Brigade is raced by Stonewall Stud and the Iron Brigade Syndicate.
“My interest in harness racing began when my husband bought me a share in Jeanneau for my 77th birthday present,” says Irene Jessett.
“She had a bit of success before she developed a breathing problem that an operation failed to cure. She was retired to the breeding paddock where she is doing very well.”
She has since had two foals.
“We decided to give it another shot and went through a long list that were available for syndication. We narrowed the list down to four and finally selected Iron Brigade. He seemed to be what we were looking for,” says Jessett.
Iron Brigade has a record of six wins from 32 starts.
“We look forward to a lot more. We love being part of such a lovely and talented horse and look forward to his next campaign.”
For July Ross Wilson was breeder of the month following Robyns Hustler’s win at Winton on July 17 while John Borcovsky was the owner of the month after What The Dragon’s win at Addington.
“It was great thrill, especially being able to share the moment with friends,” says Borcovsky.
The What The Hill four-year-old has had four wins from 12 starts.
“We had shares in one other horse some years ago but What the Dragon is far superior … we just plan to keep him going and give him every opportunity.”
Congratulations to all the winners and you plaques are on their way.
