The royally bred Luby Lou trained by Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen won the first ever Southland Trotting Oaks at Ascot Park today.
The race was sponsored by Haras des Trotteurs.
“She trotted pretty fluently and was happy, so that was the main thing. I’ve driven her in three of her trials this preparation so I’ve had a bit to do with her, that always helps. Marks done a super job with her,” said winning driver Tim Williams.
By Muscle Hill, the three year old filly is raced by Breckon Farms – Six of the Best Syndicate. She's the first foal out of the Andover Hall mare Luby Ann which won four races from eighteen starts for Mark Purdon. In one of her wins she beat the mighty Stent at Ashburton.
Tim Williams talking to Trackside presenter Jason Teaz, Stable Manager Michelle Neilson,
Northern Southland President Bill McDonald and Dave Sanders from Haras des Trotteurs
– Photo Bruce Stewart.
In today's trotting features for three year old fillies, Williams took Luby Lou straight to the top with favourite Renezmae hard on his back. At the end of the 2200 metres only five runners were in with a show of winning and Luby Lou proved too dominant beating Renezmae by a length and a quarter.
“She was happy in front and she’s got a bit of quality.”
The winning time of 2-47.9 was a new track record. The previous record of 2-50.2 was jointly held by Kumbya (2006) and Avenge (2001).
Bruce Stewart
Southland harness racing