Speeding Spirit shows true worth

By Jonny Turner

Speeding Spirit’s story is a typical trotting tale.

The four-year-old broke maidens in style at Timaru on Wednesday, charging at the line late to clinch victory for trainer Ross Wilson and driver Matthew Williamson.

Speeding Spirit had given Wilson and son Jesse who race the trotter plenty of headaches leading up to his win.

The square-gaiter had shown talent but had broken in the majority of his races until running a nice third on his home track at Oamaru in his last outing.

That performance and his win at Timaru are the results of some trial and error and perseverance paying off.

“He has been a lot of heartache,” Ross Wilson said.

“But we have shod him three or four different ways – heads up to the blacksmith he has done a good job.”

“Matty’s help has been good, so we have all come up with some different ideas to work him out.”

“Hopefully we have got him sorted – touch wood.”

The Wilsons have always had faith in Speeding Spirit’s ability and were hopeful it would shine through once they got him trotting fluently.

“He works really good he just had never brought his manners to race day,” Wilson said.

“We will probably just give him the one more run and then turn him out.”

“He will be a better horse next year, I think.”

Speeding Spirit came to the Wilsons’ Oamaru barn via Auckland, from breeders Hambletonian Ltd.

“He came from Auckland from John Dickie’s stable, we have had a good relationship with the breeders.”

“We were lucky enough to get our hands on him, I think he has got some potential.”

Ross Wilson’s last training win came with Summars just days shy of one year before Speeding Spirit’s win.

The consistent six-year-old, also sourced from Hambletonian Limited, is due back in work soon.

“She has been out for about four months on the hill, but we may get her back for a winter campaign.”

“She is a lovely wee horse to take anywhere, her manners were good and she tried hard.”

Summars’ maiden victory came on the Wingatui grass.