Tasmania Shows Off the Best Two Year Olds
Trainers, owners and drivers alike all commented on the high quality of two year old horses that were seen at the Betfair Sweepstakes finals over the weekend. It is hoped that the increase in better bred horses will see an escalation in the harness racing industry in Tasmania. If harness racing performances continue to excite and amaze as it did on Sunday, it will encourage breeders to continue improving the quality of horses. The horses that were seen during the weekend’s racing events are proof of the remarkable advancements and developments within the breeding industry.
Shez Ryleymak set a standard for two year olds to live up to when she won her racing event in a spectacular race for the finish line, clocking a 1.58.46 mile rate. She managed to open up a seven and a half meter gap between her and second place finisher, Karalta Crown. Rohan Hillier, driver and trainer for Shez Ryleymak, was left to wonder what her capabilities would be if she was a hundred percent fit, after her earth shattering performance. Commenting after the race, Hillier was excited about the filly’s magnificent performance and has confirmed that she will taking part in the Sires Stake Series in Victoria. Bred out of Totally Western and Rosary, Shez Ryleymak was bred in Victoria, with her dam, Rosary, being Tasmanian bred. Runner up, Karalta Crown, was bred in Tasmania, out of Jennas Beach Boy and Paksa Punch.
The colts and geldings division was dominated by victor Cody Maverick, driven by Kent Rattray. Babyitsu put up a brave fight, as did Make A Memory, which holds the state record of a 1.58.4 mile rate that he set up in April at the Youthful Stakes. But on Sunday, it was Cody Maverick that was the best horse on the day, and owner and driver Rattray commented that they would remain in Tasmania to prepare for the Breeders’ Crown at the end of the horse racing season, which is held in Victoria. Both Cody Maverick and Make A Memory are testament to the quality breeding programs in Tasmania, as both were bred there. Cody Maverick was bred out of Jennas Beach Boy and Nellirama, and Make A Memory is out of the magnificent Mach Three and Marlee Jayne.
The breeding programs in Tasmania have started to change the face of harness racing, with horses being able to deliver much bigger and more explosive performances. Ensuring that horses are better bred, and bred with more care, will hopefully eliminate any flaws that might have crept in over the years. The dedication to harness racing and racing as a whole, which has been shown by breeders, could soon see Tasmania becoming the leaders in breeding and harness racing.
