Stapleton works his magic at Addington

By Mike Love 

Rakaia trainer Warren Stapleton did what he does best on Sunday at Addington, winning with a couple of horses off the scrap heap. 

Stapleton is renowned for reviving horses on the brink of career ending circumstances. 

“It was good, we get it right sometimes!” said Stapleton. 

“They’ve been going nice races.”  

In the Coaster Admires The Great Volunteers Of RDA Trot, market mover Kairaki Spur was too good for his rivals. The five-year-old What The Hill gelding, driven by Jonny Cox, settled three back early over the 2600m, before trotting around to the lead from the 1200m.

From there Cox dictated the race, clearing out to win comfortably by two-and-three-quarter lengths, from Alotoftrouble. 

“He did it really well.”

That was Kairaki Spur’s fourth career win from just 19 starts. 

“He’s taken a wee while to get going. (Son) Deane put the half-hopples on him which helped. Jonny Cox had been happy with him.” 

“At his best he could be competitive against most.” 

Kairaki Spur started his career with Robert and Jenna Dunn, breaking his maiden on debut, followed by a couple of placings before moving to Stapleton’s barn.

Kairaki Spur will line up again this Friday night at Addington, in Race 4, the Continental Event Hire Handicap Trot (6.35pm) over 2600m, with Jonny Cox again engaged to drive. 

Stapleton was at it again with Miki’s Courage in the final race, the Thanks To All Owners and Many Helpers Mobile Pace. 

With Ricky May in the sulky, the pair eased from their wide draw, settling back at the rear of the field. May picked his time to move from the mile as the pace came out of the race. 

Miki’s Courage reached the parked position from the 1000m, but had no peace as a fast move from Wilson House and Delightful Dreams kept the speed on. Miki’s Courage was headed for most of the run home, before regaining the lead and holding out a late finish from runner up Bronski to win by half-a-neck. 

“He went particularly well. It was lovely to see and it was lovely for the owners. On the home turn I thought we’d be in trouble, but he kept going.” 

That was the five-year-old Always B Miki gelding’s fourth win from 50 starts. 

Miki’s Courage also began his career with Robert and Jenna Dunn, winning three times with several placings before going amiss. 

“He’s had a lot of little niggles. John Dunn sent him out here because he thought he’d be better suited. He took a while to come to it. It will give him a bit of confidence. He’s a lovely horse.” 

Stapleton is homing in on his 300th career win as a trainer, currently sitting on 283.  

“Usually we get horses with a bit of history. We don’t work the crap out of them. We just get them going along quietly. It’s nice to iron them out.”

“Over the years it has been very rewarding.”