The Fiery Spirit upsets at big odds

By Jonny Turner

Kimberly Butt might have upset punters but she kept her grandfather, trotting maestro Dick Prendergast, happy with her $63 winner The Fiery Spirit.

A six-year-old with just six starts to his name, the trotter made his trek from Canterbury a winning one when beating race winners to break through for a maiden victory at Wyndham on Thursday.

“I gave my grandad a share in him, he had the granddam Anreca Hest and the sash on my colours is inspired by his colours,” Butt said.

Family played more than just a role in the ownership of The Fiery Spirit.

Butt’s fiancé Jonny Cox was among those who helped The Fiery Spirit progress towards the winner’s circle while Butt was out of action having her daughter McKenzie.

“I have to say a big thank you to Jonny and his dad John Cox who have been a huge part of helping me with the horse while I was pregnant and since having McKenzie.”

Butt headed south with the trotter to avoid a clash with another of her drives in Canterbury.

Though she expected a decent performance, winning came as a massive bonus.

“He just came down as a mate for He’s Santa Excuse who got into the Winter Series Final.”

“They have only been having one maiden trot in Canterbury lately, so he has been clashing with Sassy Star who I have been driving.”

“So when we had the other horse coming down I thought he could be a mate.”

“When I worked for Tim (Butt) he always said a trip away can be the making of horses sometimes.”

“We have always thought a bit of him, hence why we still have him as a six-year-old maiden.”

“When they put him in against the one-win horses I thought if he was in the top five maidens I would be happy.”

Since having her daughter Butt has started working for Brent White’s stable at Ashburton while also training her own horses back at Leeston.

And she couldn’t be happier in her new job.

“I love it there and Whitey has been very good to me.”

Butt drives the White trained Bobby Waterhouse who again looks a key player at Addington on Friday night.

“He should be a good chance.”

“I was happy with him last time, he just got pushed three back which made it a little but harder to get out and go.”

“He has got another good draw again, so hopefully he can be a bit handy on the turn and run on.”

The reinswoman also hopes Sassy Star will get her turn to win in the maiden grade for the White stable at Addington on Sunday.

“She just needs that little bit of luck and to be a little bit handier on the turn.”

“Her turn of foot is really good and she is starting to put it all together.”

Butt also drives Crimson Rock, Kali B and All Too Well over the weekend.