Rachmaninov - "he's never felt better"

by Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk

A veteran of 178 starts, Rachmaninov was back in the winner's circle at Rangiora yesterday, with trainer-driver Trevor Grant delighted at how well his eight-year-old trotter is going.

"He's never felt better."

The previous start Rachmaninov was a very unlucky second in a R35-39 race at Motukarara but with yesterday's Canterbury Honda Mobile being an up to and including R65 he was largely ignored by punters.

Even Grant himself wasn't that confident beforehand but he got the perfect sit behind Silverlinings and then scooted up the passing lane to beat the leader by a nose. Rachmaninov paid $19.90 and $4.10.

"All three of his wins on the grit have been at Rangiora."

The others have come at Motukarara, Reefton, Westport and Methven.

Known as "Eddie", he is a "lovely horse..but he has to be racing."

By Diedre Don out of Starwood In Aspen, Rachmaninov has now had seven wins in 178 starts with his career earnings at $110,613. He debuted as a 2YO and has been racing every season since.

"He was good enough to start in a Jewels at three but I don't think he's ever raced better than he is now," says Grant.

At Cambridge in 2018 he finished ninth in the Ruby. Winterfell won the race, with Sundees Son fifth!

Grant trains at Eyrewell Forest in Canterbury where he has 10 acres and a 574m track.

He's had 21 driving successes and 47 training wins since starting out in the 1990s.

His first driving win was with Bo Rose, who he also trained, at Westport in 1994.

Among her progeny was Rachmaninov's mum Starwood In Aspen (In The Pocket), who won six from 127.

Among Grant's other good performers was Young Stranger (Starwood in Aspen - Brylin Boyz) who won nine. He also currently has a three year old filly called George Eliot (Starwood In Aspen - Royal Aspirations).

While he's in such good form Rachmaninov will keep racing over the holiday period.

"He's nominated for Motukarara next Sunday."