Vinita Rose wins for big group of owners

Bruce Stewart Contributor

Vinita Rose (Vincent) gave her large group of harness racing owners a big thrill when she won her first race today at Winton.

Racing against her own sex, the four year old mare in the hands of Kerryn Tomlinson went straight to the front from her inside barrier draw.

“The gate speed surprised us today because she hasn’t had any. So it was good to see her come out of the gate and hold her position,” trainer Amber Hoffman said.

Although strongly challenged up the Winton straight by favourite Remission, Vinita Rose held on to win the 1609 metre mobile by half a length.

“She is quite a competitive filly so once that other horse came up beside her she kicked again which is nice.”

Vinita Rose winning for Kerryn Tomlinson at Winton (Bruce Stewart Photo)

The winning time was 1-58.2.

Vinita Rose qualified for Ashburton horseman Terry McMillan and ran fourth on debut in the Group Three Helen Pope Two Year Old Fillies Stakes which was won by Millwood Nike.

“Terry had her and Trail Boss. He got crook and sent them both down, and we managed to syndicate half of both of them. Terry’s partner Barbara (Gye) still owns half.”

The syndicate was put together by Aaron Johnston who holds a share in the mare with Gye, former Southland cricketer Rodney Tait and the Ambies Army Syndicate.

“She a nice filly and easy to do anything with and she tries on raceday which is good. Aaron has done a great job in putting the syndicate together. It’s great.”

Winning connections (Bruce Stewart Photo)

Later in the programme driver Tim Williams scored his 800^th win when Aardie B Miki (Always B Miki) won her second race in a row in the CJ Phillips Contracting Mobile Pace.

The three year old filly is trained by Steve and Amanda Telfer.