Sans Repos goes two-in-a-row

By Mike Love 

Sans Repos' triumph at Ashburton on Sunday was another victory for good friends Danni Alfeld and Olivia Thornley.

The six-year-old Art Major gelding made it two-in-a-row when impressively putting away a handy field in The Wylie Family Pace over 2400m. 

“He’s going good enough and we are pretty happy with him,” said Alfeld, who trains from her family's property at Lincoln. 

Sans Repos began safely from his mid-row draw, albeit settling in the back half of the field. Driver Olivia Thornley then worked into the race from around the 500m, improving authoritatively with a killer blow to win by two-and-a-quarter lengths. 

The win backed up his Rangiora victory from the previous week. 

“He’s always looked alright and has done pretty well. He’s bred pretty well,” said Alfeld.

Having Thornley at the helm gave the win a touch of sentimentality. She has driven the horse in three of his five wins. 

“Olivia drove him as she is one of my best friends, and was recently my bridesmaid. She was actually here when Sans Repos was born and has known him the whole way through, and was always promised a drive.” 

Sans Repos is raced by Danni with her father Ricky and mother Janine.

“We’ll have to think about where he goes next.”

Sans Repos’ younger sister, Seafolly, a four-year-old American Ideal mare, ran a strong third in the opener on the card, the Gary McCormack Transport Pace. 

“We just wanted her to do everything right because she missed away on debut at Oamaru. We were really happy with her. So she will go to the paddock now for a few months.” 

The mare Sans Le Sou, by Mach Three, concluded her career with two wins for Alfeld, after winning six races and over $70,000 in stakes when trained by father Ricky Alfeld.

“It’s great to see her progeny doing well.”

Sans Le Sou recorded a best mile time of 1:53.7 when placed at Addington. 

“We have an Always B Miki filly, who is my pick of them, and she’s due to come back in soon. Then mum wanted a Sweet Lou so we got a gelding and he’s been broken in too and was bowling up good before being tipped out.” 

Alfeld also has Erratic, a now six-year-old Sweet Lou gelding, out of Arma Xcellent, the mother of Sans Le Sou, and has been trialling since returning from racing in Southland. He is expected to resume at the races in the near future.

Alfeld has now trained nine winners, while father Ricky has trained 39.

“We have a 1000m track at home. It’s a real family thing. Mum helps too. Everyone does everything that’s needed.”