Trathen scores with Aardie's Mindful

By Mike Love 

West Melton trainer Tim Trathen was pleasantly surprised with his stable newcomer Aardie’s Mindful's win on debut at Addington yesterday.

The three-year-old Downbytheseaside gelding was a recent addition to Trathen’s stable after being formerly trained by Cran and Chrissie Dalgety. 

With Blair Orange in the sulky in the Winky Cross Dulcet Tones Pace, Aardie’s Mindful began well to settle three back on the markers for the 2000m journey. 

With the hot favourite Bettabe Lou vulnerable after a mistake at the beginning, coupled with a strong tempo, Orange executed a winning move from the 400,  hitting the lead short of the post, winning by three-quarters-of-a-length from fellow debutant, Rising Bromac, clocking a final 800 metres in 57.7 seconds. 

“It was a good win. He’s always felt like he had a bit of a motor,” said Trathen. 

“I was a wee bit surprised with him. He did qualify well, but he hasn’t done a lot. So it worked out good.” 

“I was actually going to go back to the trials, but they were canned.” 

Trathen acquired the horse from the Dalgetys and had won a trial for Trathen leading into yesterday’s assignment. 

“He’s been a funny little bugger, it’s taken a bit of time to sort him out - not that I've had him that long.”

“I’m a farrier by trade, so I’ve spent a bit of time changing things.”

Aardie’s Mindful is raced by Trathen, his friend Andrew Cavil, along with Cavil’s son Hunter.

“Hunter is good mates with my boy, they went to school and played sports together up in Motueka.”

“They had a horse with us that placed at the races but went amiss. So I was kind of on the lookout for one to replace it when he became available.” 

Trathen has now trained 59 winners, with six coming this season, only one win away from his personal best. 

“I’m working about nine at the moment. Nellie Doyle has had a month off and has just started jogging again. I do a bit of pre-training for Bob Butt and Regan Todd when they get busy, so I’m happy doing that.” 

Other highlights on the day saw driver Robbie Close score a treble (Scotlyn Fortress, Monarch Prince and Logan Rock). Orange made it a double with (Longview Tui and Aardie’s Mindful) along with a Riley Harrison double (Normie Stead and Bryce’s Meddle) for trainers Robert and Jenna Dunn.