GRAPPA GIVES RUGBY STARS A BUZZ
Several Crusaders rugby stars enjoyed an Addington harness racing success when maiden pacer Grappa won the Christchurch Casino Pace for the Mark Jones stable on Thursday, May 31, 2012.
Stable supporter Stu Bailey set up the Crusaders On Syndicate, which includes Mr Bailey, flatmate Zac Guildford, Tom Marshall, Andy Ellis, Wyatt Crockett, Brent Ward and Tom Donnelly.
Zac Guildford and Brent Ward earlier raced Saskia Finn for two wins from the Jones stable.
Grappa, a 5YO Tinted Cloud gelding, was leased last month to race from the Jones team for the Crusaders On team, along with the Take A Good Look At Yourself and Red and Blue Syndicates.
The Take A Good Look At Yourself Syndicate is made up from West Coast-based supporters, while the Red and Blue Syndicate, made up of Sydenham Rugby Club interests, earlier raced Tiz Tough to win from the Jones team.
Grappa had been luckless in 12 starts for other stables before teaming up at Overport Lodge.
He galloped early first-up from his new quarters at Motukarara in mid-April, then was freshened.
Grappa improved on a sound second to Greshees Angel at Addington on May 26 to lead up and score convincingly on Thursday in the hands of Ricky May.
“He’s a bit better than he showed first-up,” Mark said.
Grappa was untroubled to hold outsider Zoerotten (trail) and the luckless Sailing On for his maiden victory.
He ran the 2600m from a stand in 3:25.9, quickening over his last 800m in 60.2s and final 400m in 28.3s.
Grappa now heads to the two-day Nelson meeting next week in search of further spoils for his team of owners.
He could develop further, being from Barbra Holmes (Holmes Hanover-Barbra Streisand), being from the same family as former tough pacer Lord Louie (11 wins, 1:56.6, US).