Adlam delivers "special" win with Sister Love

By Mike Love

Sister Love gave Ashburton trainer Oliver Adlam an emotional second training career win at Ashburton yesterday.

“It was awesome. A really special win,” said Adlam.

“My brother William who part owns her, his mate Henry passed away during the week. So it was an emotional win.”

Sister Love, a four-year-old Terror To Love mare, made a fast beginning from the stand to lead for the first portion of the race before taking a trail behind race favourite Ari On Safari. Driver John Morrison awaited for the passing lane run to present, before bursting through and fighting off challengers to win by a nose from Biggles.

“She had two pretty tough runs before today. The first day on the coast she sat parked all the way which didn't go to plan. On the second day she was running on well behind one of dad's (Simon) smart ones, Mikra Wave. Then her last start she had to sit parked again. So today she had a lot more luck and was good enough to win it!”

Sister Love is raced by Oliver, alongside his partner Rebecca Clarke and brother William. It was her fourth race day start.

“We bought her off Gavelhouse from Bob Butt who had too many horses at the time.

“She qualified pretty good. She’s definitely got the ability. It’s just been a case of working everything else out along the way.”

Adlam’s other training win came with trotter Slainte at Addington back in 2022.

“I’m a builder full time in Ashburton. I get up and go work the horse in the morning before work. If it's too cold or too wet I don’t work her. Dad does all the jogging up until they’re ready to hopple, which makes my job a lot easier. I’ve been around horses my whole life. I never had a choice.”

Sister Love will have a few days to recuperate before Adlam pencils in her next targets.

“I was planning on the maiden series at Rangiora, but that's not on the table anymore. We will give her a few days off and see how she comes through the run.”