Birthday win for Brodie at Manawatu

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

Taranaki trainer Brodie Ellis had an extra reason to celebrate his birthday at Palmerston North last night. 

On his 28th birthday, Ellis' five-year-old mare Kawactus took out The Members Mobile Pace at Manawatu at the very generous odds of $42.30.

"I had a little five each way so that was a nice return," says Ellis.

While the leaders went to war Kawactus and Peter Ferguson took a more patient approach before unleashing out wide to win well by nearly two lengths.

"She needed them to go hard and do nothing. She's no superstar but she does have a turn of foot and that really showed last night."

"She pricked the ears with 20 to go so she did it pretty nicely." 

It's her second win for Ellis (and third overall) after he acquired her off Canterbury trainer Chris McDowell. 

"She's been a pretty good buy really."

Ellis juggles his horse training around his day job. He runs a car grooming business, Ellis Vehicle Valet.

He has now had four wins and 10 placings this year, with his small team on a bit of a roll.  

"My little maiden trotter Buynowpaylater she ran fourth at Auckland last week (Dec 5) and we were stoked with that - that was like winning for us."

He'll have two runners, Kawactus (Race 1) and Cool Phelan (Race 2), backing up at Manawatu tomorrow (Thursday).