Harness racing buffs who have been in the industry for a decade or three will have no trouble recognizing the name of Grice when it comes to the breeding of high class standardbreds in New Zealand.
Ben Grice was a dominant figure in the harness racing and breeding industry in New Zealand over many decades, stretching from the 1920s through to the early 1980s.
His colours were the equivalent of the Purdon-Rasmussen colours of today in always having serious contenders for the age group classics of their time.
The maternal families that he built up over the generations were full of classic winners and were highly sought after in the rare times they became available on the market.
Since his death, the maternal families established and developed by Ben have been spread far and wide throughout Australasia and while their influence is not the same as it once was, the families continue to produce that exceptional youngster.
The latest star from the Grice breed to make his mark is the exciting Bettor's Delight gelding Burnaholeinmypocket 1:52.1 ($ 135,847)
“The winner of eleven from twenty two to date in Australia, Burnaholeinmypocket made a huge impression on New Zealand harness racing fans at last season’s Harness Jewels meeting at Ashburton where he drew the outside gate, settled well back and then flew late for an unlucky fourth to the brilliant Have Faith In Me.” .
“Back now at four, Burnaholeinmypocket has won his first two starts in Victoria in the manner of a horse that is headed to the top.”
Those performances will be bringing a smile to the faces of the Breckon Farms team in New Zealand as they prepare to sell his half brother Pumpt at the Australasian Classic Yearling Sale at Karaka on February 22nd.
The son of Mach Three is typical of stock by his sire in being very athletic and correct and would attract buyers attention regardless of how well his half brother is performing.
Throw in the fact that Fleshing, a full sister to Pumpt was a race winner at two last season in Victoria and that only adds to the colts attraction to buyers.
The Ben Grice influence in 2016 may not be what it once was on breeding in Australasia but his long established maternal families still have the ability to leave that high class individual.
To view the Australasian Classic Yearling Sale catalogue click here.
Harnesslink Media