Louis aces it in first win for Joseph Gray

By Mike Love 

The game plan worked out perfectly for Louis when he won the Resonate Health Mobile Pace at Rangiora yesterday.

It was the He's Watching seven-year-old's second career victory but first for West Melton trainer Joseph Gray.

“I’m really happy with him. It was a good win,” said Gray. 

“I said to Ricky (May) he’s got some gate speed so we should try and lead. He drove him really well.”

Louis and May used the ace draw to lead from barrier rise and they stayed in front throughout, holding off a late challenge by Judine and running at an even tempo coming home in 60 and 30.

“He’s always been quite a nice horse. He should win a few more I think.”

Gray acquired the horse a while back through part-owner and breeder Jackie Nelson.

“I’ve been so lucky to have Jackie on board - she bred Louis, Archie, and Press Play.”

Gray and Nelson have now combined to win seven individual races, making up for nearly a quarter of Gray’s 30 career training wins. 

Louis did give Gray the runaround initially, but perseverance has certainly paid off. He has now won one and placed twice from five starts with Gray. 

“I couldn’t catch him for two months when I first got him. He loves it here now though. He has his own paddock, and his own traits, he’s a nice horse to have around.

“He will probably go to Methven in a few weeks with the invited drivers.” 

Gray works his team from his West Melton base.

“I’m working eleven at the moment. A few two-year-olds, a couple of nice three-year-olds.”

Other highlights on the programme included a popular victory for the Trevor Grant trained Rachmaninov at start 264.