Track specialists win Waikouaiti features

Sunday, 2 February 2025
Track specialists win Waikouaiti features
Bruce Stewart
Bruce Stewart Journalist

Two horses with impeccable records on the grass took out the harness racing features at the Waikouaiti meeting at Oamaru today.

Driven by Ben Hope, Homebush Lad (Mach Three) trained by Greg and Nina Hope, got a late run up the passing lane to win the $20,000 Temuka Transport Waikouaiti Pacers Cup.

The eleven year old settled midfield and saw a number of lead changes. Hope saved him for one run and he shot up the inside to win by a neck with Buckskin finishing in second place.

“He’s such an awesome horse ..…..  I don’t think I’ve had a horse who tries as hard as this horse. He’s a real racehorse and he’s won eleven or twelve Country Cups, which is a phenomenal achievement. To be eleven years old and still winning them is awesome,” Ben Hope said. 

Homebush Lad (Bruce Stewart File Photo)

Fourteen of Homebush Lad’s sixteen wins have been on grass and today was his fourth on this track.

At this time of year with a host of grass track opportunities, Homebush Lad comes into his own. Eleven of his sixteen wins have come between the months of December and February.

Meanwhile the $20,000 Edinburgh Realty Waikouaiti Trotters Cup was taken out by the Mark Jones trained Helloveamoment (Andover Hall) driven by Sam Ottley.

Ottley took the six year old straight to the top, got away with some cheap sectionals, and ran down to the line to win by a length and a half from Jimmy Carter.

“He was happy enough bowling along in front. Turning for home he felt good and I knew I had plenty underneath. He’s done a great job so far. When he first started out we didn’t think he’d do the job that he has. He just keeps improving with age,” Ottley said. 

Helloveamoment is owned by Maxine and Bob Garters and loves he the grass surface, particularly at Oamaru. Eight of his nine wins have been on grass and he now has a three from three record at Oamaru.

The win added to a great day for the Garters with their three year old filly Maryanne Golightly (Downbytheseaside) also trained by Jones, clearing maidens at start number two in the hands of Robbie Holmes.