By Duane Ranger
They have loved harness racing forever, and now John and Judy Mole can finally say they have owned their first winner – outright.
The Kallangur couple, who are in their twilight years, have waited until their retirement to buy their first horse - a New Zealand import named B Mac C.
“It’s a hobby. We have always loved and followed the trots. John and I have had shares in Kaanapali, Feel The Thunder, and we were also in the Royal Taz Syndicate, which brought us many happy times.
“But John and I finally took the plunge late last year and bought B Mac C – the first horse that we have owned 100 per cent. We are chuffed. We had to wait until after New Zealand Cup Day last year (November 12) to buy him. He’s a nice New Zealand import, who paces pretty well,” Mrs Mole said.
Does he what!
The talented 5-year-old old son of Mach Three, who is trained by John McMullen at Glamorgan Vale, has won two of his three Australian starts – the last two in emphatic fashion, on the last two Fridays at Albion Park.
Last week’s 10-metre victory in the 2,138m mobile was jaw-dropping.
Taleah McMullen had him situated four-deep from his eight-draw, and he was still snookered away and ninth (of 11) at the 600m.
Then when the bay gelding did get clear air at the 400m, he made up huge ground, with huge acceleration, to get past them - easily.
B Mac C’s winning time was 2:33.6 and sectionals were 29.5, 30.6, 28.3, and 29.2. Even with a 1:55.6 mile rate and home in 57.5, the Moles are not getting too carried away.
“We just love the little horse. He’s a real ‘pocket rocket’. John and I were so happy when he won on February 7, and then when he won on Friday we were over the moon.
“We couldn’t believe what he had just achieved from a hopeless position. But I have loved harness racing all my life and know you must enjoy the wins while you can. You just never know when you next win might be,” Mrs Mole said.
“I just love it, and have done for years. My grandfather (Len Huddlestone) trained a winner on the very first night that Albion Park had lights. Now that was a few years ago. That was 1968. I even remember the horse’s name – Froggie’s Choice,” she added.
Mrs Mole said that they were looking for a horse, and their friend Narissa McMullen suggested B Mac C. We had Royal Taz with her father John, and we have always enjoyed having horses with John and Jeannette. We had a lot of fun with that horse. He won 13 races (almost $70,000) and was 2016-2017 Redcliffe Horse-of-the-Year.
“As for B Mac C, John and I both looked at his pedigree and watched some of his race videos and were sold on him. We had to wait for him to race on NZ Cup day before we could get him,” Mrs Mole said.
B Mac C finished eighth in that $24,500 Pace at Addington Raceway, but he had won four of his 41 starts and placed in seven others for $37,850 in stakes before being exported on December 3.
He made his race-day debut at Rangiora in May 2018.
“I think Royal Taz gave us the bug and now that we own this little fella we couldn’t be happier. We will follow him wherever he races. It’s such a great hobby to have in your retirement, and he is also nicely bred,” Mrs Mole said.
B Mac C definitely hails from a nice family.
He is the oldest of five foals out of the three-win Falcon Seelster mare, Hot Toddy. His grand-dam – Lady Toddy (1999 Live Or Die mare) won 13 races and just over $176,000.
Lady Toddy and Ken Barron beat Alta Serena and Imagine That to win the 2005 Group One $10,000 New Zealand Standardbred Stake for fillies and mares.
She was five at the time of her best victory – the same age as her now talented Queensland-based grandson.