With five wins there this month alone, Hawera Raceway is turning into Andre Poutama’s happy place.
The Pukekohe-based trainer-driver followed up his two wins there on February 4, with a further three yesterday, including going back to back with the day’s two pacing features, the Taranaki Cup and the Breeders Stakes.
“I actually hadn’t had that much luck on the grass so hopefully I’ve turned the corner,” Poutama said, “but it’s been good alright.”
A patient drive helped the Wendy Devenport-trained Uncle Drew win the Revital Fertiliser Taranaki Cup.
Uncle Drew was three back the fence turning for home before Poutama went up the passing lane, overhauling the leader Mac’s Tomado.
“It was Wendy’s first Cup so she was happy.”
Yesterday Poutama also claimed a double for Levin trainer Murray Gibbs.
Smokinhotcheddar sat parked before wearing down favourite Claudia Schiffer in the Woodlands Stud Taranaki Breeders Stakes.
Poutama knows a fair bit about Smokinhotcheddar and was confident pre-race she would measure up.
“Even though we were parked I knew from when I trained her before that she was tough.”
Poutama was successful with her with two wins from 13 starts in 2020 before the now five-year-old went to Ray Green and then Gibbs last year.
The trainer-driver combo was successful again, winning the last, the Hautapu Pine Mobile Pace with Manhattan Sunshine.
Manhattan Sunshine produced a big finish out wide, edging out Big Skewy by a neck.
It was Manhattan Sunshine’s second win in 36 starts, the first coming a year ago at Manawatu.
“She doesn’t always finish off her races .. but she is capable.”
“Murray was over the moon.”
After a successful day Poutama then faced a five hour drive home and there’d be no sleep-in either.
“I have to feed up in the morning, so the alarm’s set for 5.50am.”
Poutama’s day job is at Brent Mangos’ stable at Pukekohe.
So far in 2022 Poutama’s had eight wins, taking him to 261 since he started out a decade ago.
“I really want to get to 300.”
