Hutton's half dozen wins on the Coast

By Mike Love 

Greendale trainer Bruce Hutton has just had his most successful few days as a trainer, winning six races on the coast circuit and claiming three victories at one meeting, at Reefton yesterday.

"It's the best circuit I've ever had and the first time I've trained a treble, so it's a big thrill," said Hutton.

The first of his hat-trick was with Highly Rated in the Property Brokers Handicap Trot, driven by Jim Curtin. The win was a sweet one for Hutton as his partner, Caroline Lane, is in the ownership.

"It was her first winner as an owner - so it was good."

That was the Majestic Son gelding's eighth start.

Hutton's next winner came with another trotter in Signal Hill and driver Samantha Ottley in the Ces Bennett Memorial Handicap Trot. After making a mistake on the first day and following it up with a powerful second on the second day, Signal Hill made it win number two at Reefton - mirroring his efforts twelve months ago.

"Last year he galloped on the turn in the maiden race at Westport, then ran second on the second day, then won his maiden at Reefton - and he's done it again this year!"

Samvasa made it two wins on the circuit with Jim Curtin when they won the Barrow Build Mobile Pace. That was the four-year-old Bettors Delight gelding's fifth win from 61 starts.

Hutton's other winners on the circuit were Simply Me (Robbie Holmes) and Apatchofgold (Samantha Ottley) on day one, and Samvasa (Jim Curtin) on day two.

"The whole team had been a bit off, so I gave everything a wee break and got them ready for the circuit, and it's worked out really well.

"A few will now go to Blenheim. I think Whyamihere and One El are just better suited to the grit. Simply Me didn't back up on the second day, but there's a bit of a future there. The trip away for the more inexperienced ones helps them grow up, and they come home different horses."

Reefton also saw a Robbie Close Cup double. He drove Smoke On The Water to victory in the Rosco Contractors Reefton Cup with Matt Purvis training the quinella with Flying Bird finishing second.

He also took out the Endura/Snowy River Mining Cup Handicap Trot with the marvel that is Rachmaninov. It was the 10-year-old's 15th win at start number 301.