Lachie Manzelmann shows he's a chip off the old block

By Glenn Davis

Rookie trainer Lachie Manzelmann already has shown he’s a chip off the old block.

The 23-year-old Manzelmann has had a successful career in harness racing but like his well-known father, John, recently spread his wings into thoroughbred training.

The Mackay-based John was a top harness trainer and driver before switching codes and has now become one of the state’s leading trainers in the provincial and country circuits over the past two decades.

He has won the Queensland trainers’ premiership twice.

Lachie – a Group 1-winning reinsman – heads to Ipswich on Wednesday to saddle up only the only galloper he has in work, Lets Torque A Deel, in the Benchmark 65 Handicap over 2210 metres.

Lets Torque A Deel gave Lachie his first winner with his second starter as a thoroughbred trainer when the six-year-old won a Benchmark race at Beaudesert on New Year’s Eve.

He subsequently finished a game second behind the Brenton Andrew-trained Hostage Of War in another Benchmark race over 2150 metres at Ipswich on January 7.

“He was really good last time but it wasn’t far enough for him,” Lachie said.

“He probably would have run down the winner had the race been over a further 100 metres.

“This race is a bit longer which will suit him and I think he’s a great chance.”

Lets Torque A Deel was transferred to Lachie’s stables at Logan Village, south of Brisbane, and has had three starts for him.

Lachie is looking forward to the Ipswich meeting as victory would give him his first metropolitan winner.

“I’ve only got one in work but I’ll be coming home from Ipswich with Dad’s horse, The Driller, who he’s decided to give to me to train,” Lachie said.

“I don’t know much about The Driller but Dad wouldn’t be bringing him down to race against me if he didn’t think he was up to it.”.

The Driller was originally trained by James Cummings before being moved on to Gold Coast trainer Gillian Heinrich and then John, who has started him seven times for one win in Mackay last November.

Meanwhile, Lachie wants to increase his thoroughbred stable to around five while he concentrates on his harness career.

“I hope to top out with about five horses for the time being,” he said.

“I’ve only had my galloping licence for about six months and Lets Torque A Deel has been my only starter and was my first winner.”