An Australian pacer that on paper looks like an Ontario-bred and sired racehorse will be heading to North American soil after a recent sale.
Reports from downunder indicate that six-year-old Tenacious One has been sold and will do his future racing in the United States. A graduate of the Australian Pacing Gold Yearling Sales, the Mach Three – Miss Astronomical gelding was purchased by the Brisbane-based Brendan McMullen.
Tenacious One commenced his career in Victoria with trainer Andy Gath where he managed to win two of his 11 starts before being switched to the Queensland stables of Donny Smith. Under the tutelage of Smith, Tenacious One showed his true potential where he won his first six starts, all at Albion Park and all in fast time.
In 23 starts in the Sunshine State, Tenacious One won 11 races and took a career best time of 1:51.3, impressive considering the Albion Park track record belongs to Australasian harness racing legend Im Themightyquinn at 1:50.2.
Tenacious One won 13 from 34 while being minor placed on a further 11 occasions while banking in excess of $76,000.
The deal was negotiated through highly respected agent Frank Ranaldi.
Another talented pacer that will join Tenacious One on the flight north is Iam Mr Brightside, a former member of the Kerryann Turner/Robbie Morris Sydney stables. The Julius Caesar gelding has won 22 races from 86 starts while banking more than $325,000 in purses.
His biggest victory came via the 2014 Gr.3 $40,000 Simpson Memorial at Menangle in a time of 1:51.3 while being placed in many other feature events.
Both Tenacious One and Iam Mr Brightside will do their future racing in the state of New York.
Recent results for Ranaldi in North America have been very solid highlighted by the success of former Victorian mare Shes Just A Delight.
The New Zealand bred mare raced with distinction from the stables of Kerryn Manning before her sale. Shes Just A Delight won a division of the famed Blue Chip Matchmaker series at Yonkers Raceway overnight (Friday) in a time of 1:53 on the half-mile oval.
Since arriving in North America, Shes Just A Delight has won 13 of her 15 starts.
(with files from Harness Racing Australia)