Penelope Hall rewarded at start 43

By Mike Love

Penelope Hall's maiden win, at start number 43, was greeted with some relief from her trainer-driver John Versteeg.

The six-year-old Andover mare broke through in the 2023/2024 Horse Of The Year - George Eliot Trot at Rangiora on Sunday, after having placed on 12 previous occasions.

“It’s good. I didn't want her to be the best horse I’ve ever trained that hasn’t won a race,” laughed Versteeg.

Penelope Hall is Versteeg's 78th training success, and his first since Rocknallovertheworld at Geraldine in 2022. His first one ever was In The Pink in 1985.

Penelope Hall made her usual good beginning from a wide draw and was able to secure the one out one back position early on over the 2600m. After one lap Solemn Son and Kyle Cameron who were parked, worked to the lead leaving Versteeg and Penelope Hall parked out. Versteeg was content to sit there before making a play at the top of the straight, working to the lead and running away from them at the 200m to score decisively by three lengths.

“She travelled really good all the way.”

“Whether we press on with her or put her in foal will be up to her and how she handles the step up.”

Versteeg bred Penelope Hall who is out of Mariposa (by Monarchy) whom he also bred trained and owned.

“The whole breed has a great attitude. She’s always been one to tye up but she’s as good as she’s ever been at the moment. We will just keep racing her while she’s going good.”

The Tom Bagrie trained Hoof It Hagrid who won the other maiden trot on the programme is out of mare Miss Lovalot - who in turn is out of mare Swycombe. Swycombe was bred by Versteeg and is a full sister to the grand dam of Penelope Hall.