Jimmy Carter presides in Southern Lights

Bruce Stewart Contributor

Nine year old harness racing gelding Jimmy Carter (The Pres) was on his best behaviour yesterday and was duly rewarded when he won the $40,000 Prydes Easifeed Southern Lights at the Northern Southland harness meeting at Ascot Park.

Jimmy Carter winning (Bruce Stewart Photo)

“He’s been a work in progress for a long time and he’s had a lot of days that weren’t so good for him but on his best days he’s proven that he’s quite a capable horse,” trainer Phil Williamson said.

Handled by John Morrison, Jimmy Carter settled three back in the running line behind pacemaker One Two Menny. In the back straight Morrison eased Jimmy Carter off the inside and moved up to sit parked. Coming out of the last bend Jimmy Carter was in front and held out stablemate Love N The Port to win by half a head.

“He’s quite a nervous horse and if he doesn’t catch the start right, he’s history. He can’t right himself and wants to free leg pace.”

Owned by David Beckingsale and the Horsin Around Syndicate yesterday’s win was Jimmy Carter’s sixteenth win and first Group success.

JIMMY CARTER REPLAY

The win was Williamson’s seventh in the races seventeen year history. His other winners have been Mystic Son (2009), Springbank Sam (2013 and 2015), Monty Python (2017), Majestic Man (2019) and Love N The Port (2023).

“If Majestic Man pulls up well, we’ll head north for the Rowe Cup meeting and Jimmy Carter may have booked a ticket to go with him. Love N The Port will go as well.”