Driver Nikita Burton immediately brought three-year-old Steve and Amanda Telfer to the front and although he had to absorb some pressure halfway through the race, he was too good and won by three and a half lengths.
STUPID BLACKLER REPEAT
The gelding was bred by former Southland trainer Tony Barron and was named after Southland sporting identity Alan ‘Stumpy’ Blackler.
After eleven seasons as a senior rugby player for Invercargill-based Star club, Blackler captained the side for the next five years and was then player-captain-coach for his final three undefeated seasons.
He also played 37 games for Southland at first five-eighth, fullback and halfback between 1965 and 1973. These included matches against the All Blacks on an internal tour, as well as France and two Ranfurly Shield matches.
He also served on the SRFU Directorate for seven years. And he trained standard-bred stock in Makarewa, where he trained eight winners, including 1984 Invercargill Cup winner Skipem.
“He lived down the street and ran a syndicate that we trained for,” Barron said.
Barron sold Stumpy Blackler to Stonewall Stud at the NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales for $82,500.
“I asked Jill Stockman if she could keep his name because Alan was a good friend to a lot of people down south. She said there were no problems. It’s amazing. The Star guys who used to play with him or under him all follow the horse. Philippa, his wife, follows him closely, so it was an absolutely fantastic result.”
The gelding is out of Lady Arts and was bred by Alan, Philippa and Vin and the late Daphne Devery.
“I bought her from Vin as a broodmare, but she broke in very nicely. She had a bump on the fetlock and that’s why she didn’t go to the yearling sale. She was a nice filly and won a few tests. She went in a bit of pain and the fields came out for Omakau. She pulled one, so we started. She has never been chronically lame, just a bit niggly. But I only bought her as a broodmare.”
After winning her only start, Lady Arts was retired and sent to Bettor’s Delight, where she produced Stumpy Blackler.
Lady Arts is from Natal Franco who won seven races including the 2007 G3 Nevele R Stakes for two-year-old fillies. She also finished third in the 2008 G1 New Zealand Oaks.
Since Stumpy Blackler, Lady Arts has a Downbytheseaside filly and is in foal to Bettor’s Delight.
“I’m just breaking her in now and she’s an absolute slasher.”
In today’s subsequent race, Team Telfer and Burton won with Premier Arden (Tall dark stranger) who, like her stablemate, led all the way and won easily by three and a quarter lengths.
The three-year-old filly is raced by her breeders John and Judy Stiven of Arden Lodge and Stonewall Stud.
Both Stumpy Blackler and Premier Arden look likely candidates for the three-year-olds on Diamonds Day in April – the Southern Supremacy Stakes and the Southern Oaks.
It was a good day for Arden Lodge and Stonewall with Ebony Arden (Bettor’s joy) win for the partnership in Ashburton.
For full race results, click here.
Through Bruce Stewartfor Harnesslink
#Stumpy #star #Cromwell