By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
As popular victories go Ambleside Drive’s win at Addington last night was right up there.
At start number 62, the Auckland Reactor five-year-old mare finally broke through in Race 2, the Book Now for Owners Night 28th March Mobile Pace.
For the Robertson family who bred, train and race the mare, it’s been a long time coming. Her debut was at Motukarara in April 2022.
“I was starting to lose the faith,” said Peter Robertson who trains in partnership with son Mitchell.
He told Harness Unhinged’s Nigel Armstrong post race, “we’ve always known she had the ability to win the race and it never worked out.”
Pre-race Robertson was concerned about backing up Ambleside Drive after a tough fourth at Motukarara last Sunday. But she started the outright favourite and performed accordingly.
From the mobile driver John Dunn got the one-one early before pressing on to the lead at around the 1600 metre mark. She was three lengths clear with a lap to go.
“Every horse has their day and today is the day for Ambleside Drive – she’s too good, ” said commentator Andy McCook as she held to win by just over a length.
Dunn was clearly elated to get the elusive win for a horse that had had 22 previous placings.
“She has had some ragged runs and a few placings along the way before this win,” said Dunn, “I love winning races like that.”
And he wasn’t alone.
The Robertsons had no shortage of well-wishers after the race though Peter Robertson wasn’t getting too hyped up.
“I wouldn’t get too excited but it’s good she has won one anyway.”
A double on the night with Ann Sophie and Jaccka Baylis took Michael House to 44 training wins for 2025. He is leading the premiership by 24 from Steve and Amanda Telfer.
Another feature last night was Matt Purvis training the quinella in the Majestic Horse Floats Mobile Pace with Almighty Clever (Blair Orange) and Oneloveonelife (Carter Dalgety).
