Strong family ties in Dillon double at Gore

By Jonny Turner

Balfour breeder-owner Judy Dillon has more than just Shane Matheson’s training skills to thank after enjoying one of her best days in harness racing at Gore yesterday.

Dillon scored her first race day double when Matheson combined with driver Samantha Ottley to win with both Rylan Charlie and Judaque.

Rylan Charlie has threatened to win a maiden race on several occasions, though his racing manners have been a major hurdle to victory.

The pacer’s behaviour was on point in race 3, the Macca Lodge Mobile Pace, which let him complete a what was an unlikely journey into the winner’s circle, until Matheson intervened.

“It has been totally unexpected, he got chucked out on a hill for a couple of years because he was a bit useless as a young horse,” Dillon said.

“But then Shane suggested we get him back in and he has worked the oracle and he is doing really well.”

Rylan Charlie and Judaque have plenty in common.

Both were bred and raised on the Dillon family farm near Balfour.

The closely related pair also both trace back a breed established by Dillion’s father, the late Eric Butler.

Most of the horses Dillon has bred and raced are from the breed are named after her family members.

Rylan Charlie is named after grandson Rylan Dillon, with Judaque combining Judy’s own name with her daughter Jacqui’s name.

Judaque looks to be in for a big racing preparation after producing a big win in the feature pace at Gore, the GWD Motor Group - Tyreland Gore Mobile Pace.

In just her second run back from a spell, the five-year-old rounded up rivals who had won more races than her and had the advantage of more recent racing.

“I didn’t think she was well handicapped .. but she came to the party.”

“It was a beautiful drive by Sam, she got a lovely drag up behind Step It Up A Notch.”

The Matheson barn also produced Abadabadoo for an excellent second in yesterday’s feature trot, while Dua Lipa didn’t get to extend when starved for room late in his fifth placing.

To see Jonny Turner's interview with Judy Dillon click here