Spotlight On: Classie Washington

Talk about exceeding expectations.

A group of 10 people joining forces to purchase a moderately performed New Zealand pacer with a view of maybe reaching metropolitan standard. Heck, racing under the bright Saturday nights of Albion Park was probably pie in the sky stuff at the time of purchase.

But as history now proves, this is reality.

The ownership group of Classie Washington involves Gayle Garrard, Chris Essex, Dave O’Halloran, Judith and Lindsay Short, Rod Hinze, Anthony Carsburg, Wayne Moffat, John Ward, and Des Ryan.

And this group who dared to dream have now reached the ultimate destination. Owning a Grand Finalist in an Inter Dominion Pacing Championship; does it get any better?

“It’s a dream come true. Nobody expected to be in the position that we faced on December 16 - a qualified finalist in an Inter Dominion Grand Final. Unbelievably exciting,” co-owner Chris Essex beamed.

Back in late 2021, Classie Washington was scouted by Daren, Gayle, and Angus Garrard on the advice of respected Christchurch-based bloodstock agent Peter Lagan.

Based with Terry Chmiel, Classie Washington had built a record of one win and seven placings from 21 starts at the time of purchase.

His career earnings stood at the paltry amount of $16,068.

Admittedly, the sole victory did come via Addington at his 11^th career start back on July 25, 2021, when defeating Carrera Lucia by a half-head margin in a 2600m mobile start event.

So, what stood out and made them purchase this pacer?

“Well, that all came back to Daren and Angus. They did all the due diligence, watched video replays, spoke to several people who knew of the horse before agreeing to purchase the horse,” Gayle Garrard explained.

“Ultimately, they were confident he could fit into their system and do a suitable job for his connections.”

The new ownership group lacks nothing as far as experience goes, with most - if not all - having been involved previously.

In fact, three of the owners are all retired trainers with Lindsay Short, Rod Hinze and John Ward all having success in their own right several seasons ago.

Ward prepared the richly talented Cherokee Chief, a pacer that contested several features along the east coast of Australia and regularly competed at the highest level.

Classie Washington, aka George, commenced his Queensland career in a blaze of glory, winning five of his first nine starts back in early 2022.

His first four starts on local soil resulted in four Albion Park victories, with his first defeat coming via the now North American-based Slip The Hundy in the Kelato Final in a time of 1:51.8.

Following a brief let-up, Classie Washington returned for his next campaign, which resulted in just four starts.

The talented gelding was forced to the spelling paddock following Angus being dislodged from the sulky when looking a certain winner at Albion Park.

Returning in 2023 and in a higher grade, Classie Washington continued to race with great distinction winning five races throughout the year while running many placings.

With the Inter Dominion set to be staged in the Sunshine State for the first time since 2009, and for the first time at Albion Park since 2001, connections threw their hat into the ring and nominated Classie Washington for the famed series commencing on December 1.

A purple patch of form in October that netted back-to-back Albion Park victories improved his ranking considerably, but connections still sat on the outside looking in at that point.

As time went by and the attrition rate grew for the series, the former New Zealander was steadily climbing the rankings and, come cut off time, he had made the final 36 and was set to contest the series.

“Classie Washington was originally ranked 84, but after scratching’s and progression for good form he made the field as ranking 32,” Chief Handicapper Brett Rail said.

But connections weren’t content with just being there, they were ready to give it their best shot.

And that they did.

On opening night, Classie Washington ran a slashing second behind Victorian pacer Better Eclipse in a time of 1:51.5, beaten 1.4m for the 1660m heat.

Returning for Night 2 and stepping out over 2138m, Classie Washington finished fourth behind Leap To Fame in a time of 1:52.2 after starting from gate six.

With strong points in the bank, Classie Washington required a bold showing in the final round of heats over the Grand Final distance of 2680m but drew wide in gate seven, the outside of the front-line.

Displaying great early speed, Classie Washington found the lead and went boldly out in front before being overpowered late by Better Eclipse in a time of 1:55.4.

Classie Washington was safely qualified for the Grand Final. Naturally, connections rejoiced.

“Daren and I actually giggled. We were having the time of our lives and couldn’t believe how far this horse had come. It was a far cry from the original expectations and that credit goes to Daren and Angus,” Essex said.

“George has been amazing. He tries so hard and just enjoys his work and racing. It’s been an unbelievable journey, so exciting, great fun with great people. All the owners get on extra well and enjoy catching up every time he races. Now my daughter loves coming to the races to watch him, which is special.”

Classie Washington finished at the rear of the field in the $530,000 Inter Dominion Grand Final won by Leap To Fame on December 16.

But connections still feel like they won, and, in many ways, they did.

“We’re living the dream; we’ve experienced so much fun and met plenty of new people throughout the Inter series. This is something we’re never going to forget,” Gayle Garrard said.

Classie Washington has won 10 races (all at Albion Park) since being based in Queensland while his earnings are just shy of $150,000.

And there’s the promise of plenty more to come.

Go George!