Vicki sold on new horse at Timaru

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

What were local trainer Vicki Sell's expectations with Interpol at Timaru yesterday? 
The answer : "Absolutely none"

So you can imagine her delight when the He's Watching six-year-old she bought cheaply a week ago ripped up the passing lane at her home track to win the Thank You Lindsay Trilford Mobile Pace. 

"I've only had him a week," Sell says, "I bought him off Facebook Marketplace for $500."

"I was expecting nothing to be honest - I was expecting him to run like he has been, which wasn't much." 

With racing held for the first time on the grass track normally reserved for the gallopers, Interpol was having his 37th start. He had not finished higher than sixth in his last 10 starts, with his only other victory being on the grass at Oamaru when he was trained by Gavin Cook in March 2024. 

Yesterday he was 10/11 in the betting in the 11-horse field, paying $25.50 for the win. 

Drawn three, Interpol was handy early for driver Matthew Williamson before settling three back the fence. Heading for home the gaps opened up and Interpol produced a determined finish to win by over a length from Evidently and favourite Anytime At All. 

In less than three minutes Interpol earned $5500 in stakes, giving Sell an instant return on her investment. 

For Sell, a hobby trainer with a small team based at the Phar Lap raceway in Timaru, the win continues a good run she's had on her home track.

Among her other winners there have been Ultimate Rush (January 8, 2025), Lamarli (September 29, 2024), and Mr Midnight (November 24, 2019).