Bred to win and built for glory

Bruce Stewart Contributor

Sold for $260,000 at the 2022 NZB Standardbred Yearling Sale, Built For Glory has got a bit of catching up to do to recoup some of that investment. But judging by the way he won at the Wairio harness racing meeting today he’s well on the way to achieving it.

Trained by Steve and Amanda Telfer, the Southern Bred Southern Reared colt raced by three owners - Stonewall Stud Limited, the Built For Glory Syndicate and the Always ‘B’ Syndicate, has always been rated highly by the team at Stonewall’s South Island base.

Winning connections (Bruce Stewart Photo)

“He was our best two year old and he just had a couple of chips removed from a back fetlock, so he didn’t race at two. He’s strengthened up and is starting to show what they’ve thought of him. He’s still got a lot to learn and he’s still a bit green. I think the motor’s there and he’s got a bit of speed,” Steve Telfer said.

In the small field of only five runners, driver Tim Williams settled Built For Glory back in the running line with Song Sung Blue taking up the pacemaking role. When favourite Miraculous tried for the front but ended up parked, Williams was able to slot into the one one. When the field straightened up Built For Glory let down nicely to beat Song Sung Blue by three and a half lengths.

Built For Glory in full stride (Bruce Stewart Photo)

“He just got on one rein coming down the straight and that’s something we’re trying to correct.”

Built For Glory returning after his third win (Bruce Stewart Photo)

Although some thought was given to taking the colt north for races like the Alabar Classic and Northern Derby, the Telfers have decided to keep stay to home.

“This series will be great for him. It’ll help make him into a horse.”

Bred by Diane and Noel Cournane, Telfer thinks that long term Built For Glory will be a genuine Derby horse.

The Cournane's are offering a half sister to Built For Glory at next weeks NZB Standardbred Sales in Christchurch. Named Ride The Wave this filly is by Downbytheseaside and is part of the White Stables SBSR draft.

Lot 158 Downbytheseaside - Fight For Glory filly (Bruce Stewart Photo)