KORBYN NEWMAN SCORES WITH LONG-SHOT WINNER
Burnham trainer Mark Jones was more than happy to assist junior driver Korbyn Newman with his third career win at Rangiora on Sunday, July 21.
Mark, a former World Champion driver, has been instrumental in developing the careers of younger drivers, Samantha Ottley, Robbie Close, Sheree Tomlinson and Laura McKay, and trainer, Regan Todd.
So he had no hesitation in putting Korbyn up for a third behind Lets Hustle in the juniors race at Addington last week, and behind 21-to-one long-shot winner, His Royal Harness, at Rangiora on Sunday.
“He’s not working for me but he just always helps at the races and asked for a drive,” Mark said.
“So he just happened be at the right time and in the right place and has been taught well from Benny Hill and Ricky May.”
“Young people deserve a chance and he makes the most of it.”
His Royal Harness, by the former Geoff Small-trained speedster Tintin In America (famous for siring champion North American mare Shartin), had struggled for form in his first four starts since resuming last month.
However, there were signs of improvement at Forbury last Thursday with his strong-finishing third for Sam Ottley behind Pocket Call and Delight Of Texas.
It was a top result for His Royal Harness’s co-owner, Mitchell Robertson, who also owns winner Pocket Call, trained by his father, Peter.
On Sunday, Korbyn, from the inside of the second row, put His Royal Harness to sleep five back on the markers, moved one out just before the final 800, then jumped on the three wide train at the 800m marker.
Circumstances went against them at the 500m when he was held up by the tiring Lincoln Skipper, but it turned out to be a blessing for the sit-sprinter.
Unico Enchantess had run clear for top driver Blair Orange turning for home but His Royal Harness sprouted wings wide for Korbyn in the straight to win going away by 1 and 3/4 lengths in 3:14.2 (2:00.1 mile rate) for the 2600m on the slushy track.
His Royal Harness, who won his first two races on grass tracks for fellow Canterbury trainer Chris McDowell, was recording his third win since entering the ownership of Mitchell Robertson, Steve Hill, Alastair McLay, Mike Moore and the Fomo (fear of missing out) Syndicate.
He had scored a penalty-free win first-up for them and the Jones stable at Addington last July for visiting North Island junior, Tony Cameron.
His Royal Harness has speed in his family, being from a Mach Three half-sister to Flashbang (1:55, four wins) and Famous Lover (TT, 1:56.1, four wins).
He’s also from the same family as former top Southland-bred 1970s and 80s pacers, Sassenach (12 wins), Ryal (nine wins), Shavande (five wins), Profiteer (six wins), Zabadak (11 wins) and Stampede (11 wins).
His Royal Harness has subsequently been withdrawn from this Sunday’s 50-60 One Smart Coffee Mobile Pace at Oamaru.