Invercargill harness racing trainer Wayne Adams has a great eye for a young horse.
At the 2014 Sales in Christchurch he purchased two yearlings – Milehigh Magic and Navajo Art (then named Kamwood BC). He paid $6,000 for Navajo Art and $8,500 for Milehigh Magic.
Both are now four, and Milehigh Magic was a winner last Sunday at Ascot Park while Navajo Art which was beaten by smart stablemate Mach's Back on the same day, came out today and easily won his maiden race.
The Santanna Blue Chip youngster is out of the In The Pocket mare Kamwood Smarty the winner of four races. As a broodmare Kamwood Smarty had already left Kamwood Laughter and Kamwood Holmes, both of whom had won eleven races in Western Australia.
"As a three year old he wouldn't ever go. Murray's horse (Mach's Back) has really stepped up but this fella isn't too far behind him. He's just got better and better this season. How much more improvement is there, we don't know. Zac said he did it pretty good today," said Adams who trains the gelding for first time harness owners Barry and Judy Gutsell.
Navajo Art and Zac Butcher Photo Bruce Stewart
Navajo Art driver by Zac Butcher couldn't muster early gate speed and was caught three wide going out of the first bend. With the early speed on Butcher was able to get into the one one. With 1600 metres to run in a confident move he hooked out of the trailing position and took the lead. At the 400 Navajo Art was travelling and Butcher had a good look over his shoulder to see where the challenges were coming from. In a hard slog to the line Navajo Art held on to beat High Roller by one and a quarter lengths.
The Gutsells owned galloper Eight Songs which won eight races including the 2006 Gore and Geraldine Cups.
Judy Gutsell,Wayne Adams, Barry Gutsell and Charlotte Mooney from Woodlands Stud
The only question I have in writing this story is why did the Gutsells change the name Kamwood BC to Navajo Art when Barry's initials are BC? I guess he'll flick me a quick email and explain so I can add it to the story.
Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing