Andy Hall proves he's still got it at Ascot Park

By Jonny Turner 

Andy Hall played to his strengths to tick off two milestones with victory at Ascot Park on Sunday.

The 10-year-old won the 12th race of his 122-start career when running his rivals ragged for driver Brad Williamson.

In his seven seasons on the track, the square-gaiter has been a staple at southern harness meetings.

With the end of his career approaching, trainer Lyndon Bond and owner-breeder Ian Hunter have had two goals for Andy Hall to tick off.

And he completed them both when sticking his neck out for a gritty win.

"He is sort of like the stable pet, everyone loves him,” Bond said.

"He's been an old horse that has gone through a few stables and he's done a great job.”

"Ian wanted to keep him going until he got to the $100,000 win mark and today he's broken it.”

"So, I am really happy for them."

During stints in Canterbury, Andy Hall was able to mix it with New Zealand's best trotters.

While those days are behind him, he proved he still has the will to dig in to win.

"He's lost his speed but he showed a wee bit of stamina today," Bond said.

"That is what he has always shown, he can keep chugging away at that same speed."

"He's taken the speed out of the race today and made them chase."

"It was a good drive from Brad Williamson."

With his financial milestones ticked off, retirement isn't too far off for Andy Hall.

The team behind him already have plans to set him up with the best possible next career, as a riding horse.

"He is a lovely old chap, he has no vices."

"He would just about knock you over for the feed bin, he loves that."

"He is a lovely old horse and he is going to make a lovely riding horse when Ian decides to retire him."

With Andy Hall, the Bond stable made it back-to-back wins at Southland meetings with horses thoroughly deserving of victory.

The barn produced longtime maiden Shergar to win at Winton last week.

Sunday's victory was the ninth in 2026 for Bond which equals his tally from last year with more than seven months of the current season to go.

Bond juggles training a team ever-increasing in numbers with fulltime work.

The trainer credits his family for helping him juggle a busy schedule.

"My wife (Aimee) has been doing a lot of work and my son (James) has been doing a lot of the gearing up and washing."

"All of the family pitches in."

"It is getting a bit colder at night and it can be a bit of a rush to get everything done."

"A few of the horses will go out for a spell soon, but they will be back."