By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk
The decision to send Callie’s Delight south 16 months ago has proven to be a masterstroke by her previous trainer John Dickie.
The now seven-year-old mare was a highly consistent performer for his Clevedon operation, winning seven races and placing in the Group 1 Queen Of Hearts (2200m), but he thought she was better placed in the south.
Dickie advised Callie’s Delight’s owners to send her to Woodend Beach trainer Bob Butt and she has thrived in the coastal environment.
She has added a further five victories to her record, highlighted by her maiden Group 1 success in the Fahey Fence Hire 51st NZ Standardbred Breeders’ Stakes (2600m) at Addington on Friday night, a race she placed in last year.
Callie’s Delight drew ideally in one and was given the perfect trip in the trail throughout by Blair Orange behind Lady Of The Light, who kept an honest pace throughout, and the diminutive Callie’s Delight was able to scoot up the passing lane to score a head victory.
“It was good to get a good draw and it all worked out perfectly,” Butt said.
“Blair summed it up perfectly and trailed Lady Of the Light and it worked out great.
“She ran third in the race last year where she was quite unlucky.
“She has always been knocking on the door against those good mares so it was good that she got the Group One because she deserves it. She just tries her guts out.”
Butt said he was thankful for Dickie for sending the mare south.
“John and Josh sent her down. She did a great job with them, she placed in a Group One when they had her and they thought the beach might help her,” Butt said.
“I am lucky and thankful to them for sending her down.”
Butt is unsure of Callie’s Delight’s next targets, but he is sure to savour what was a satisfying Group 1 victory on Friday night.
“I haven’t really thought about after tonight. She will probably race on through,” he said.
