Big day for the Shirleys at Invercargill

By Jonny Turner 

The Shirley family had plenty to celebrate on a day one of their own was remembered at Ascot Park.

Brothers Brent and Mark Shirley both trained winners at their home track following Sunday's running of the Gil Shirley Memorial, honouring their late father.

Before his passing a decade ago, the late Gil Shirley was a successful owner, breeder, trainer, driver, studmaster and a stalwart of the southern harness racing industry.

Brent worked alongside Gil at the Ascot Park barn he produced Dream Street to win from on Sunday.

The trainer was delighted his pacer was able to produce one of the biggest performances of his short career on the day his father was honoured.

"It was quite nice to win on Dad's day," Shirley said.

"I didn't get interested in the horses until I was about 18, but then later on we spent a lot of time working together."

"Mark arranges this race each year and it is good he can be recognised, especially for Mum."

Dream Street and driver Mark Hurrell were caught wide early before making the parked position.

Despite working harder than his rivals, the three-year-old dug in for an impressive victory.

"He has surprised me because originally I thought he was a sit-sprinter,” Shirley said.

"But he has kept improving and he should do a pretty good job, you would think."

"He is a bit of a character, he is only a wee horse and he has a bit of attitude."

"He is quite playful, but he has got a bit of small man's syndrome too."

Dream Street is raced by a group of new and long-time Shirley stable clients.

Earlier on the Ascot Park card, Mark Shirley produced Rydgemont's Heir for the third win of his career.

The trotter was given an economical run in the trail by Max Hill before he outsprinted two more experienced types in Our Evie Rae and Andy Hall.

The Gil Shirley Memorial was taken out by the Matthew Williamson trained and driven The Will.

The trotter was having his first start for the Oamaru trainer after galloping in two trials coming into his southern debut.

But on Sunday The Will produced a faultless display, powering home out wide to record a slick win.