February's HRNZ Owner and Breeder of the Month

To recognise those people who keep harness racing going, HRNZ selects a monthly breeder and owner award.

It is done randomly, with the sole criteria being that you must have had a winner the previous month.

For last month the Breeder of the Month is Bruce Carter for Ebury Street's win at Wyndham at February 23 while the owner award goes to Andrew Gillson, who's part of the ownership group of Castana. He won at Alexandra Park on February 9.

Breeder of the month : Bruce Carter from Carter Bloodstock

Ebury Street's victory was her second in 21 starts but a career first for young driver Henry Sail.

"I would like to congratulate Henry on his first driving success on race day, that is always special and something he won’t forget," says Carter.

Ebury Street (Bettor's Delight - Meet Me In Mayfair) was foaled in 2018.

Her dam Meet Me In Mayfair won five from 39 for trainer Geoff Small and has produced three race winning progeny - Ebury Street, Dorchester (5 wins from 7 starts) and Park Lane (1 win in 9 starts).

"We also raced Sloane Square (4 wins from 43 starts), a sister to Meet Me in Mayfair by Christian Cullen who competed in the good fillies races of her year."

Ebury Street was sold to Dawe Contracting for $75,000 as a yearling at the 2020 sales. Trained by Tom Bamford, her current record is two wins from 25 starts.

Carter Bloodstock has bred a lot of horses, starting in the late 1970s.

"Probably the best was The Falcon Strike who we sold at the sales," says Carter, "he went on and won several Group 1s and was beaten a nose in a Interdominion Final."

That was to Jofess in the 2004 Inter Dominion Grand Final at Gloucester Park in 2004. His record included three Western Australian Cups and 41 wins in total, with stakes earning of over $1.2m.

"Another we bred and raced with our good friends Ross Johnson and Janene Cole was The Bucket List (Christian Cullen - Saddle Ridge). He won eight races in NZ before being sold to Australia. He won the Interdominion consolation (2017)."

"He was the first foal from a mare we bought at the Harrisburg sales as a yearling and raced in the US before bringing her back to NZ."

Owner of the month : Andrew Gillson

Owner of the month Andrew Gillson wasn't at Alexandra Park on February 9 but he was watching alright.

"I have been to watch most of his races but this last race I was at Mike's house screaming him home."

"Mike is my mate and his dad Phil Williams bred Castana," says Gillson, "all the owners of Castana are Phil's friends and family"

The Quaker Jet four-year-old is the first horse Gillson's had an interest in.

"Castana is my first of many hopefully."

Trained by Dave and Clare McGowan, Castana has now won five from 23 starts and was also fifth in the 2023 Great Northern Trotting Derby won by Lovemeto.

"We are hoping to get to the big races in time .... Castana is improving with every run."

"My family and I are excited about his future."