Gold Chip series option for Williamson

CHRISTCHURCH: Two horses were successful on debut at the Invercargill meeting on Saturday.

Humble Ladd won the trot for nonwinners, and his trainer, Phil Williamson, is glad the Gold Chip option is available for the 3yrold.

The Oamaru trainer has found winning is not always the most desirable result for a trotter at the races for the first time.

With Humble Ladd’s rating set to go to 56 points, the Majestic Sun gelding might face the equivalent of skipping a grade now and end up in a race against openclass trotters.

‘‘The system makes it difficult for a maiden trotter winning its first start,’’ Williamson said.

For that reason, the introduction of the series of $12,000 Gold Chip finals provides some comfort. The next one is due on Diamonds Day, April 29, at Ascot Park, and only unforeseen circumstances will keep Humble Ladd away.

Humble Ladd was bred and is raced by Jim Hunter, of Dun edin, and Denis Stumbles, of Ranfurly, longtime supporters of Mighty Conqueror, winner on debut of a mobile 2200m race, is bred and raced by Invercargill Club president Mark Shirley and friend Malcolm Dewe, and trained by Shirley and his wife, Debbie.

The 3yrold is out of Ballroom Babe who was offered to Shirley and Dewe by Mike O’Brien.

Shirley said he was attracted to the mare by a double up of U Scott back in her pedigree, something his late father, Gil, often spoke of, and that she was from the family of the likes of Luxury Liner.

Mighty Conqueror was given his first preparation by Robbie Holmes before joining the Shirley team.

‘‘He was ready for racing at Christmas but was kicked on the shin and had to be turned out,’’ Shirley said.

‘‘It probably helped, though, because he needed time and strengthened up while out.’’ — NZ Harness News