Sagwitch wins for Syd

Bruce Stewart Journalist

Aged harness racing gelding Sagwitch (Lis Mara) has been around the traps for years. His ratings fluctuate, but when he hits the right grade he delivers for Gore trainer Syd Breen.

Today’s win in the Southland Express Pace was the nine year old’s thirteenth at start number one hundred and twenty.

His first start was as a two year old, in April 2016 on his home track. He ran fourth. He won three races at three and since then his career hasn’t looked back.

In today’s race Sagwitch was always going to lead from gate one and driver Craig Ferguson took him straight to the top. The winning margin at the end of the 2200 metres was a length and three quarters with Hangin With Hector (Bettor’s Delight) finishing second.

“It’s his happy place in front. It was a great drive by Craig. Mark (Hurrell) and Max (Hill) have all won on him this season and they’ve all been great drives,” Breen said.

Sagwitch winning with Craig Ferguson in the bike

Returning after win number 13

He added that he doesn’t feel guilty when racing horses with fewer wins on the board.

“There’s no guilt with me. I didn’t create the system. I’ve kept the horse in work because of the system. The more horses you’ve got the more races you can have and he’s one that’s still racing and he’s loving it.”

Sagwitch has never had a serious injury. “He’s had a few viruses and he has an overactive immune system but other than that he’s pretty easy care.”

And how many miles will the gelding clock up?

“Probably another hundred starts. He’s as sound as a bell.”

Sagwitch is out of Shoshoni Sunrise, (Ok Bye) making him a half-brother to millionaire pacer Washakie.

“I broke him (Sagwitch) for Lester Paisley and Paul Matheson purchased him as a yearling on my advice. So he hasn’t been far from my back door. “

With today’s win out of the way Breen hopes for bigger spoils at Winton.

“There’s a twenty thousand go (Winter Rewards) in a couple of weeks and I’m picking he’s qualified (laughter).” There’s a standing start race at Addington in the middle of July which we may look at. I’ll have to talk to Mark and see what he’s up to.”

A double for Ashburton trainers Brent and Tim White and driver Gemma Thornley was another highlight of today’s racing.

Both Verlander (Captaintreacherous) and She’s Classy (Vincent) won on debut. She’s Classy is owned by Tim who’s currently on holiday with his family so he wasn’t on course today for the win.