Supremacy favourite changes hands
One of Southland’s more exciting pacers, Duke Of Wellington, has had a change of ownership.
Regular buyers, Merv and Meg Butterworth of Victoria, have purchased the big son on American Ideal from his Invercargill breeder and owner, Lester Smith.
The two parties will race the horse together in Sunday’s Group 2 $45,000 Southern Supremacy Final at Ascot Park before the Butterworths assume outright ownership.
Merv Butterworth believes he and his wife have purchased a horse with the scope to progress through the ranks as he matures.
‘‘To me, Duke Of Wellington is more than a progressive threeyear-old, who will show further improvement as he matures.
‘‘Given that he has only had nine race starts for four wins, it is safe to predict that the future is definitely one of interesting potential both in New Zealand and Australia.’’
Just what the plans are with Duke Of Wellington post-Sunday will be decided after the race, but it will likely be the horse’s last start for current trainer Lauren Pearson. ‘‘I am not sure what will happen or where Duke Of Wellington will go until after The Supremacy Stakes, which is the benchmark for Southland threeyear-olds,’’ said Butterworth.
The Butterworths recently purchased another top prospect out of Canterbury, Governor’s Bay, but he disappointed at his Southland debut from Brett Gray’s stable and has since been sent to the paddock.
Pearson is happy with Duke Of Wellington since his win over Hail Christian at Ascot Park last Saturday and says she thinks the 2700-metre trip this week will suit the horse. ‘‘I think the secondrow draw is actually going to help him over the 2700 metres as he’s not going to have to work too hard early. ‘‘There is lots of nice Southland horses in it, but I think we’ve got a strong chance.
‘‘It’s good to see so many locals in the race.’’