Joan’s horse shines across the ditch
A Taranaki-born horse may never have raced on Kiwi soil, but he’s taken a star turn on the international stage.
On Thunder Road, born in Waitara and owned by Joan Fleming, was named Aged Horse/Gelding Trotter of the Year at the Australian Harness Racing Awards.
The horse has also won the New South Wales Aged Trotter of the Year for two years in a row.
Known as Thunder Road in New Zealand, the horse has never raced here but since he crossed the ditch in June 2010, he has gone from strength to strength under trainer Darren Hancock.
‘‘He just wins by miles,’’ Fleming said.
From 15 starts, the horse had eight wins and three placings, racking up $146,840 in stakes.
The impressive trophy made its way across the ditch, where it will be on show at her Taranaki home, along with other accolades Joan and her husband Joe Fleming have won over the years.
Joe died in September 2015, aged 72, but it was his lifelong love of all things equine which hooked Fleming into the sport.
‘‘Joe loved horses, he was brought up with horses and by the time he was a kid he was riding horses.’’
She said her husband of 47 years was dedicated to the animals and had been a successful trainer.
His New Zealand-based horse Fasta La Vista won the Taranaki Cup in 2001 and the Otaki Cup the following year. The pair also had a long time affiliation with the Taranaki Trotting Club and Fleming credited the organisation for their ongoing support and encouragement. ‘‘Our life has been a bit of an adventure with these horses.’’
While On Thunder Road’s success was a great achievement for her and others involved, the accolade would have made her late husband just as happy. ‘‘He would have been so proud.’’
At the time of Joe’s death, the couple had about 15 horses. Fleming now has five in her stable, four of which call her Princess St property in Waitara home. ‘‘I’ve still got a lot of racing to get through,’’ she said.
Two other horses with Kiwi ties were recognised at the awards.
Sunny Ruby won Aged Mare Trotter of the Year while Our Renezmae took out the 2-year-old Filly Trotter of the Year.