Bruciebytheseaside impresses in maiden victory at Rangiora

By Mike Love 

No winners were more impressive, or emphatic, at Rangiora on Sunday than Bruciebytheseaside.

The Stephen Boyd-trained three-year-old was successful in Heat One of the Anne Thompson Graduation Series for the pacers, scoring by more than 10 lengths. 

Driven by Robbie Close, the Downbytheseaside gelding trailed briefly before being taken out and around to lead from the mile. From there it was up to Close to when he pushed the go button, which he did so at the quarter, resulting in a whopping winning margin, with final sectionals of 56.0 and 28.2.

“He went good, considering it was his first-up run. Although he’d had a couple of trials and I thought he’d go well, I didn’t expect that!” said a chuffed Boyd.

Punters hadn't expected it either, with the winner paying $15. 

“Robbie came back and said he could’ve won by another 10 lengths," says Boyd. 

It was Bruciebytheseaside’s first win from five starts, having not raced since November last year. 

“As a two-year-old I thought he was going to be quite a smart horse, but then he just wasn’t right and I suspect he had a virus. So we tipped him out and he seems 100% now.” 

Bruciebytheseaside is raced by Boyd and Bruce Stirling, who also breeds from the Bettors Delight mare Vera’s In Heaven, with Bruciebytheseaside being the third foal and third winner.

“I’ve got the full-sister (Isabellarockafella) who’s just about to come back into work, and a yearling half brother by Sweet Lou who's just been broken in.” 

Boyd says Bruciebytheseaside will likely head back to Rangiora to compete in the $25,000 Kotare Downs 3YO Stakes this Sunday.

“It’s only up to two wins, so he should draw okay. He ran time on Sunday, but it’s the way he did it that I liked. Then he will head to the Anne Thompson Series final.”

The other pacers heat was taken out by favourite Franco Lennon, while the trotters heat was won by B K Mumma Jamie ($22). That brought up Ricky May's 3200th winner.

More heats are scheduled for next Sunday May 3, while the $20,000 finals will be run on May 17 - all at Rangiora. 

Other highlights of the meeting saw Riley Harrison drive a double with Country Gold and Bruntwood Brigade, along with Samantha Ottley’s double with Mattie Nevin and Royal Gypsy, while the Greg and Ben Hope team quinellaed the final race on the programme with Justa Rippa and Down A Hundy.