May Seals Success in Listed Feature with Jimmy James Maguire (NZ)
31 October 2023
Champion reinsman Ricky May took the $50,000 Listed NZ Standardbred Sales Series Aged Classic (2400m) into his own hands to win with Jimmy James Maguire (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight).
May owns a share in the classy NZB Standardbred graduate who he drove to success in the lucrative feature at Kaikoura on Monday for trainer Brendon Hill.
Hill purchased Jimmy James Maguire under the Elite Racing Ltd banner for $50,000 at the 2020 National Yearling Sale in Christchurch when he was offered among the Jubilee Park draft.
Hill, known to many as Brendon ‘Benny’ Hill, was looking to syndicate the pacer following his purchase and May took a share, something the champion driver hasn’t done often during his glittering harness racing career.
“I haven’t owned many horses, but Benny got me into him and he’s a beautiful little horse,” May said.
May took the opportunity to try Jimmy James Maguire in the lead in Monday’s feature event.
The NZB Standardbred graduate was right up for the challenge, digging in to hold off the late challenge of runner up Lester (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight).
“He is a tough little rooster, he just keeps going, it is the first time he has been in front,” May said.
NZB Standardbred graduates dominated the NZ Standardbred Sales Series Aged Classic (2400m), filling the first four placings.
In the toughest of his career, Lester went an excellent race when chasing Jimmy James Maguire hard in the home straight.
Lester was offered by Alta Dream Lodge at the 2019 National Yearling Sale at Karaka.
After getting back to last on a front-runner’s track, Bach (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) did exceptionally well to run on into third placing.
Bach was secured by Eynon Farms for $70,000 at the 2020 National Yearling Sale at Christchurch when he was offered by Studholme Bloodstock.
Anything Goes (NZ) (American Ideal) rallied to run fourth after working hard outside the leader.
Anything Goes was also offered by Studholme Bloodstock draft at the 2019 National Yearling Sale at Christchurch and was purchased by Steve Dolan for $38,000.