Invercargill horseman Shane Walkinshaw doesn't train too many horses these days due to the fact that harness racing isn't his full-time employment.
Today at Ascot Park the only horse he has in his stable – Glens Of Tekoa – easily won an MR 45-MR50 mobile 2200 metre race.
From barrier five the Sir Lincoln gelding bobbled for a few steps before settling in the last three on the outside. With 1300 metres to run Walkinshaw sent the three year old forward when the speed was eased. He sat parked for a short period before Key Reactor which was three wide and hanging, finally gave him cover inside the last 600. With 300 metres to run Walkinshaw worked Glens Of Tekoa out three wide and he let down nicely to beat Bush Man by a length and a half.
"He was travelling super the whole way. We ended up getting a nice run so it all helped," Walkinshaw said.
Glens Of Tekoa winning for trainer driver Shane Walkinshaw – Photo Bruce Stewart.
He's out of a family that hasn't left too many winners recently but extends back in pedigree to good horses like Bachelor Star, Main Adios, Bionic Star and Main Star which were all bred and developed by Alister Kerslake.
"I've had him since he was two. I've always liked his attitude. He's got a great temprament and wants to race. If they've got the will to do it, you can't ask for much more. I had to wait on him but he's strengthened up nicely as a three year old. He'll be better next year too. I might give him one start at Forbury and then flick him out."
Walkinshaw, who trains his horses out of Mark and Debbie Shirley's barn trained his last winner, Give Me The Night at Ascot Park in December 2015.
He ended the day driving two other winners, Magnetic Watch and Franco Huntington and now sits on 297 driving wins.
Meanwhile the Southland Drivers Premiership is going down to the wire with Brent Barclay on 40 winners, three ahead of last seasons premiership winner Nathan Williamson.
Bruce Stewart
Soutland Harness Racing