ABR welcomes champion New South Wales apprentice jockey Tyler Schiller to our ever-increasing list of winning owners.
Schiller is a part-owner of both ex-New Zealanders Fletch Maguire and Sheza Manipulator which won at Globe Derby Park on Monday for trainer Aaron Bain.
A red hot $1.20 favourite, Fletch Maguire scored a comfortable win in the K&S Electrical Pace (1800m) with Wayne Hill in the sulky.
Sheza Manipulator started even shorter at $1.15 favourite and won even easier in The Globe Bar & Gaming Pace (1800m) with Danielle Hill having a comfortable drive.
Schiller’s family have a history in harness racing, but it was an association with Summit Bloodstock’s Jamie Durnberger-Smith which resulted in the star apprentice venturing into ownership.
“I first struck up an association with Tyler in March 2018 when we were both playing a harness racing game on an app,” Durnberger-Smith said.
“We have been talking through social media ever since and when these two horses arrived in Australia to be sold to clients Tyler was happy to be involved.
“I’m sure he is going to have some fun with them, as are all the owners.”
Trainer Aaron Bain said Fletch Maguire and Sheza Manipulator both had ability.
“I’m hoping they can string a few wins together quite quickly,” Bain said.
“Fletch Maguire is a big green three-year-old who is still learning about what he has to do.
“He won well today but was still a bit awkward in his action.”
Fletch Maguire won by 8.6 metres rating 1:59.8.
“Sheza Manipulator is tiny but has plenty of speed, and plenty of heart,” the trainer said.
“We booked Dani for the mare because we felt she was a better option because of her size.
“She has nice gate speed and won well today rating 1:57.0 and was basically untouched.”
Bain also started another ex-New Zealander Butcher Kate in the AB Air Services Trotters Handicap (2230m).
A well backed $1.90 favourite, Butcher Kate galloped at the first turn and lost all chances of winning.
She did make up good ground for driver Wayne Hill to eventually finish sixth in the field of nine.
“I was really happy with her run,” Bain said.
“She is still a bit immature and having her first start in Australia wasn’t on her best behaviour.
“But once she got trotting I thought she made up ground in impressive fashion.
“While it was disappointing that she made a mistake today, I’m sure she will win quite a few races once she adapts and matures.”
