When leading harness racing trainer Greg Hope was looking for a close relative of his star trotter Monbet to purchase as a broodmare, he never for one moment envisaged that she would win back her purchase price before going to stud.
But that is exactly what happened when Greg purchased the talented Monarchy mare The Earth Moved for $12,000.
" I had a serious look at another mare from the family but she had suffered a broken knee earlier in her life and I was worried about how that may play out down the line."
"When I sent her home, they offered me The Earth Moved who had just been sent back by the people who had her on lease."
" I really liked her straight away and brought her soon after," Greg told Harnesslink this week.
Not that the decision to buy The Earth Moved was unanimous in the Hope household.
" Nina wasn't exactly that keen initially but I think she has come round now," Greg said.
Greg purchased The Earth Moved near the end of August and in four starts since she has won three on the grit plus a fourth on the grass at Methven where she wasn't entirely happy on the puggy wet track.
Since her purchase The Earth Moved has put $16,271 into the kitty and her latest win at Addington on Friday night was undoubtedly her best.
Several lengths off the leader going past the 400 metres mark, The Earth Moved swooped down the outside for an emphatic victory in the hands of Ricky May.
" She was always going to pick Young Stranger up in the straight before he had a late gallop, so I just eased her down the last bit ."
" She has really high speed when saved for one run," Ricky said.
Greg was rapt that The Earth Moved had grabbed that elusive sub two minute mile rate with her 1:59.3 rating in Friday nights win over 1950 metres.
" It certainly doesn't hurt if you are selling them at the sales to have a bit of black print beside their name, Greg said.
And that is where the future of The Earth Moved lies, in the broodmare paddock.
" I have booked her in to Love You"
"Love You is available here this year through Dave Sanders which is great after he has missed the last two years."
"The resulting foal will be a 3/4 brother or sister in blood to Monbet," Greg pointed out.
With this years Australasian Breeders Crown two year old colts/geldings winner Conon Bridge being another close relative excelling on the track and Monbet looking to have come back even better at four, The Earth Moved is certainly looking one very valuable broodmare.
Harnesslink Media