Fernz Goldy gives Daniel Reardon his 21st training win

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk

Showing uncharacteristic gate speed was the winning of the race for trainer Daniel Reardon's "favourite" horse Fernz Goldy at Timaru yesterday.

The Gold Ace five-year-old came out well from her ace draw in the Night 'N Day Timaru Mobile and immediately took the trail behind Social Distancing and driver Robbie Close.

And that's the way it stayed until Fernz Goldy zipped up the passing lane, with driver Devon Dolan steering the mare to a nearly four length victory for the most emphatic win on the day's seven race programme.

"It was the first time in her 47 starts that she's actually got into the trail," says Reardon, "she's not known for her gate speed and that was the best she's ever come out."

It was her fourth win overall.

"I was confident when Robbie (Social Distancing) held the front with a lap to go because I know if my horse was three back the fence she can over race."

"Devon did a great job."

Reardon's other runner on the day Flying For Me finished fourth in the Placemakers Timaru Mobile Pace behind Kalatra.

"He's promising but does have a few quirks."

Reardon has four horses in work and trains them around his "day job" at Jamie Gameson's Burnham stables.

"It works out pretty good."

He's had his trainers' licence since 2012 with his now 21 wins coming from 393 starts. He's also had ten wins as an amateur, junior or open driver.

As for Fernz Goldy Reardon says "she'll keep racing until she tells us otherwise."

"There are lots of 5YO and older races in the lower grades and with Devon getting half points (as a concession driver) she could win two-three races in the next six to 12 months."

Reardon is heartened by the racing career of one of Fernz Goldy's relatives, Franco Huntington. He is Fernz Goldy's uncle, with Franco Huntington's dam, Heraldic Franco being Fernz Goldy's granddam. Franco Huntington is now 12 and has won 14 races from 242 starts to be one of the most durable horses currently racing in this country.