Purvis on a roll

by Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk

After a Boxing Day treble Matt Purvis has his eyes on more Westport spoils on Monday.

The 30-year-old from North Canterbury drove two trainers and trained a third at Patterson Park on the first day of the meeting and has three more runners on the second day with Rocknroll Mama, Quarterback, and Jenabella.

On Boxing Day he drove Hayden Bromac and Jenabella to victory, his first wins in the cart since Fun In The Dark in September 2019.

“It was good to come out of retirement for the Coast circuit and win a couple.”

By his reckoning it’s the third time he’s done a driving double.

“I did a double for Nathan Williamson once, and another one at Addington.”

With John Dunn driving Rocknroll Mama to victory it also gave Purvis his second training treble in a matter of months. The first was at Oamaru on September 22, where he had three winners and two fourths in five starters.

The successful day means he’s now also got 50 career wins as a driver, and 40 as a trainer. And with a career best 14 winners from 68 starts so far this season a personal milestone is not far away.

“I’ve been targeting 15 winners in a season and I’m nearly there already.”

Purvis will have two drives on day two, with Jenabella up against stable-mate Quarterback (Alana Cameron) in race 7. He’ll also drive Rocknroll Mama in race 10, with John Dunn committed to hot favourite Terror Maria.

Quarterback is the more favoured of the two.

“The horse had no luck on Boxing Day, was shuffled back and had a wall of horses in front of him. Hopefully he’ll step fast, get handy in the running lane and get a run at them.”

“For Rocknroll Mama it’s a big step up in grade but she is versatile.”

First day winner Hayden Bromac won’t start on day two, but will back up at Reefton on Wednesday.

“It’s a nice little team perfect for racing on the Coast, they all love racing and they are happy in the paddock.”