DAMIEN Smith left punters “hot under the collar” when his first provincial winner nearly three years ago was a $71 bolter.
But they were much more chilled with the former air-conditioning mechanic when stable flag-bearer Hunter Bred scored in the Midway Benchmark 64 Handicap (2000m) on the Beaumont track on Thursday as a $3 favorite.
It was the second provincial success for both the Newcastle trainer and apprentice William Stanley, who broke through only last Saturday at Newcastle on Scone mare Dances With Hooves ($11).
Stanley gave Hunter Bred a perfect run midfield with cover, then brought him with a well-timed run in the straight to defeat Kembla Grange trainer Steven Wilson’s Just Boogie ($13) and Gosford trainer Nick Mitchell’s Adios Steve ($19).
Coincidentally, Smith’s maiden provincial winner Emerald’s Son (in a 1200m Maiden Handicap at Newcastle on April 21, 2021 when ridden by Aaron Bullock) is an older half-brother to Hunter Bred.
Smith, 36, trained and drove pacers earlier, and decided to give training thoroughbreds a go a few years back.
Hunter Bred was his 11th career winner; his previous being Gypsy Mountain at Gilgandra on December 30 last year.
However, Christmas came a few days earlier this year for the Louth Park-based horseman, who purchased Hunter Bred from experienced Newcastle trainer Ken Lantry.
“I was breaking in a couple of horses for Ken, and decided to try my hand at training a few,” Smith said.
“Breaking in and pre-training horses is my main work, but I also enjoy the training side of things.
“My wife Ashley races Hunter Bred, and he has been a terrific horse for us.”
The Beaumont victory was the Denman six-year-old’s fifth, and he also has been placed on nine occasions and earned just over $145,000.
Three of Hunter Bred’s wins have been at Port Macquarie, including his first in a 1500m Maiden in March 2022 at his third start, and his trainer is looking forward to getting him back there next month. “I’ve been waiting for a suitable race since the track re-opened, but there hasn’t been one for him,” Smith said.
“But there is a Conditional Benchmark 68 Handicap (2000m) there on Sunday week.”
. Former country apprentice Stanley is now based with leading Newcastle trainer Kris Lees, and it was a good day all round for the stable.
Lees and his more senior apprentice Ben Osmond teamed to land the opening race, the Provincial Maiden Plate (1350m). with $1.26 hotpot Tasoraay, whilst Osmond later took another step in his blossoming career by also scoring for leading Melbourne trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent on Keitel ($3.10) in the 5YO & Up Conditional Benchmark 68 Handicap (1150m).
The Hellbent five-year-old was having only his second NSW start from the trainers’ Sydney base at Rosehill Gardens, and posted his fifth win at his 12th start.
Lees meanwhile intends to spell lightly-raced three-year-old Tasoraay, who he says is a work in progress and still learning his craft.
Story John Curtis, December 19, 2024 - Pics Bradley Photos
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