By Jordan Gerrans
The striking looks and potential were what drew experienced trainer Chantal Turpin to a significant colt on Sunday afternoon at the Brisbane APG Sales.
The promising colt, which was Lot 37 sold on Sunday, came from a Racing Queensland and Haras des Trotteurs initiative launched almost two years ago, when they combined with an aim to stimulate the breeding of trotters in Queensland.
The partnership gave participants the chance to take ownership of one of 14 well-bred broodmares, with a free service to one of Haras des Trotteurs’ stallions for the first year.
The Sebastian K and Feona Joy colt came from that plan and went through the sales, ending up with leading Brisbane trainer Turpin for the price of $20,000.
Turpin, who brought up the huge milestone of 1000 career wins over the weekend, was taken back by the youngsters looks and breeding.
“He was a very well put together type,” Turpin said.
“We were happy to get him, we like the trotters and being a Sebastian K, we wanted him.
“I like trotters more so than the pacers, when I first started out with my Dad, we had more trotters.”
Turpin’s daughter cheekily played a role in the purchase, as well.
“He had the bling that made him a bit more attractive for me and my daughter,” Turpin said.
“He has a massive big blaze on his face and his nose is all white.”
The Turpin stable now has three newcomers from Sebastian K, who is a world champion trotter, with two purchased from Trump Bloodstock last year, to go along with Sunday’s acquisition.
Head of Trump Bloodstock Anthony Perkins thinks he will be an asset to Turpin.
“He is a flashy looking fella and the Sebastian K’s are flying,” Perkins said.
“Sebastian K was the breeders crown winner in the USA last year.
“You would think he will be able to do a job for them.”
Perkins is hopeful of lifting the profile of trotters in the Sunshine State into 2021 and beyond.
Perkins said his facility has 20 broodmares, looking to breed trotters for QBRED, which is an incentive scheme delivering over millions of dollars in additional returns for breeders and owners of harness horses bred and racing in Queensland.
Turpin is optimistic Lot 37 from Sunday could be ready to race come next August, with his breaking in process starting just hours after he went through the sales.
“He was straight into it, we will work the three up together,” Turpin said.
“The QBRED bonuses are unbelievable, even for the trotters, we will concentrate on that – Queensland trotting races.
“The QBRED races are the main aim.
“It is good Queensland is trying to support the trotters and get them going.”
Of all the Lots sold on Sunday, four were trotters – with the rest being pacers.
Turpin’s husband, leading driver Pete McMullen, says the stable is optimistic about their recent purchases.
“We are pretty excited about him,” McMullen said.
“We have a couple of the Sebastian K’s and we were keen for another.”
McMullen thinks the QBRED scheme is vital for the future of harness racing in Queensland and said the industry would be struggling without it.
He believes it also brings interstate interest in Queensland racing, as well.
“Racing Queensland have really pushed the trotters over the last few years and hopefully it can just get bigger and stronger from here,” McMullen said.
“It is great to be a part of it.”
Over the last couple of years, several new initiatives have been introduced to grow racing opportunities for trotters.