Sekkie Monkey upset a strong field of maiden trotters at Ascot Park today.
The four year old daughter of Monkey Bones was the sixth favourite in a race that was expected to be dominated by well bred Jaccka Jeorge and Liberty Stride.
“That was a good maiden field and I wasn’t sure how we would go. But she went well,” said trainer driver Nathan Williamson.
Both Liberty Stride and Jaccka Jeorge broke with Jaccka Jeorge losing all chance. Liberty Stride made ground late for fourth.
All the honours went to Sekkie Monkey which led early before handing up to Cuchulainn.
“She’s just a bit lazy in front so I was quite happy to hand up. She was pretty strong at the finish. I was pretty happy with her. She’s just getting used to the tighter circuits.”
At the top of the straight Williamson pushed Sekkie Monkey up the passing lane and she trotted home nicely to beat Cuchulainn by three quarters of a length.
Sekkie Monkey on the inside gets the winning call – Photo Bruce Stewart.
The four year old was initially prepared for racing at Waikouaiti Beach by Amber Hoffman. She was sent to Williamson in December. The Branxholme trainer qualified her at Gore in February.
“We had to put a lot of miles into her just to get her trotting solid but she’s pretty solid now. I don’t think she’s made a break off the place.”
Sekkie Monkey is out of the Sundon mare Sekkie and is owned by Kevin Strong.
“I was on the lookout for a Sundon mare after I lost one. She was advertised by Michael House in foal to Monarchy. That horse was no good so I put her in foal to Monkey Bones and that’s turned up trumps,” Strong said.
Sekkie is no longer alive but Strong does have a three year old by Superfast Stuart named Super Sekkie out of the mare.
Sekkie is a half-sister to Avatar (7 NZ and 5 AUS wins) and What Ever You Like (7 NZ and 16 AUS wins).
“I’ve had a few horses over the years but never a good one by myself. The best one I raced with Neville Cleaver was Hopes And Dreams.”
Strong and Cleaver are currently breeding from Sunrise Delight but unfortunately her first two foals have died. Currently they have two fillies out of the mare by Repeat Love and Peak.
Nathan Williamson, Sekkie Monkey, Kevin Strong, Invercargill President Barry McCulloch and Trevor Little – Photo Bruce Stewart.
Strong’s horses are now managed by former Gore trainer Trevor Little.
“I’m retired and I thought I was out of it. Kevin had thirty odd horses. We’ve just worked our way through them. We’ve leased a few and kept a few of the trotters. We’re still breeding from Sunrise Delight (Sundon – Little Miss Watch) and Easy Option (Great Success – Sunrise Girl). ”
Little trained Fakes Dream to win for Strong and Cleaver at Invercargill in February 2005.
Bruce Stewart