Past Southland Oaks winner Royal Counsel

Bruce Stewart Contributor

Harness racing filly Royal Counsel’s (Gotta Go Cullect) win in the 2014 Nevele R Stud Southland Oaks was the first time the 2-40 mark had been broken in the race’s history.

Trained by Gordon and Colin Lee of Wyndham the filly showed good form going into the $45,000 final with a win on her home track in February, a second at Gore and a third at the Northern Southland meeting. Based on those runs she was fourth favourite in the Oaks final.  

With Raksdeal leading, Royal Counsel was able to slot into the one one behind the favourite, Willow. With 600 metres to run driver Gordon Lee moved his filly out three wide. Raksdeal pitched a good break at the turn but began to tire 50 metres short of the line and Royal Counsel came up to beat Raksdeal by a neck with Willow a nose back in third and a further neck to Goodness Gracious Me in fourth.

The winning time of 2-39.4 was a new race, track, allcomers and Southland record, and record still stands.

Royal Counsel went on to win seven races, six for the Lees and one for breeder Malcolm Shinn.

The win was Gordon’s only Group success but Colin tasted success in the race when he drove Scapa Chip to win the 1988 Southland Oaks for his father Hori.

This Sunday the Invercargill HRC will host Diamonds Day at Ascot Park. Impressive feature races include the $110,000 Group One Diamond Creek Farm Two Year Old Classic, the $60,000 Group Two Macca Lodge/Nevele R Southern Oaks, the $60,000 Group Two Alabar Supremacy Stakes and the $40,000 Regent Car Court Southern Country Cups Final.

This truly spectacular day of racing will get underway at 12 noon.