AS THEY have done so often in the past, Narrabri’s Shepherdson brothers Peter and Garry will again pilot a truckload of pacers to Tamworth Paceway for this afternoon’s meeting.
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They’ll be represented by five horses across the program, but first cab off the rank will be Flyingwithoutwings in the 1609MS Sponsorship Packages Available Pace.
No doubt watching that race with keen interest will be retired cockie, now “our leading stablehand” Neil Drysdale, according to Pete Shepherdson.
“Neil’s been helping us out here around the stables for years – the mainstay behind all our horses,” he said.
“He’s always first one at the track of a morning, and can be trusted with anything. He’s a very reliable fella.
“And while he’s part and parcel in ownership with most of our pacers, he bred and races this one himself.”
Four-year-old Flyingwithoutwings has yet to grab the elusive win, but has placed twice in his career – once on the Tamworth track.
All five Narrabri horses will be driven by Garry Shepherdson’s son, Chris. He’ll be behind Shannons Artwork (1980MS Become a THRC Member Pace), Rhiannon Shannon (1609MS Eco Inn Warners Bay Pace), Place of Gold (2360MS Peter Jackson Bookmaker Pace) and Will Thrill in the 2360MS Racing Again Sunday Afternoon June 29th Pace.
Place of Gold will be resuming from a spell, but normally goes well fresh, according to Shepherdson.
“He likes to race up front, and will get the chance to do just that from the three alley.”
Also expected to show good form will be five-year-old mare Rhiannon Shannon.
“We train her for Cameron Bullock and boys over in Tamworth.
“She won the Joan Bullock Memorial there a couple of years ago when she led. She was left alone on that occasion, and got away with it.
“It’ll be her second back from a spell, and while she’s a sit and sprint horse, her draw (6) probably won’t help. If she’d got a better draw, I’d have given her a good chance.
“But in saying that, she’s got brilliant speed, and if left alone and not asked to do too much work, she could be thereabouts.”
Shannons Artwork will be looking to improve on his last-start third over 1609MS at Tamworth on June 5.
“He was a bit unlucky there, couldn’t get out. He’s not a brilliant horse, but tries hard.
“And Will Thrill, well she’s always thereabouts.”