By Jonny Turner
Amid a tough week, Kimberly Butt produced a pinpoint drive to clinch a fitting victory in yesterday’s Peters Genetics Roxburgh Cup with Commander Ben.
Butt recently lost her grandfather, master trotting trainer Dick Prendergast who passed away last Friday.
With Prendergast hailing from the Central Otago region, it has been appropriate that Butt has been in outstanding form on the Central Otago summer harness racing circuit.
“I had a bit of a bad run at the West Coast right when Grandad died, but back down here in his home place it has gone really well,” the reinswoman said.
Butt produced a masterful drive amid a hectic running of the Peters Genetics Roxburgh Cup.
Commander Ben enjoyed the best possible run in the race, with Butt staying out of several battles for the lead while giving her charge a sweet run on the markers.
Butt then moved the Brent and Tim White trained pacer off the pegs before launching his winning run on the home turn.
Despite producing strong results in 2024, the White stable hadn’t enjoyed the best form in recent weeks but the trainers’ class shone through when Commander Ben bagged the second of their two wins on Roxburgh Cup day.
And Butt was thrilled to be part of the stable’s form resurgence and to deliver a cup win for owner Wendy Nordqvist.
“To get them back (winning) – not only for Brent and Tim but for Wendy as well, she has been super loyal to all of us.”
“I am rapt for us to have a bit of a change of luck and to get the win with this fellow.”
Earlier in the Roxburgh programme the White stable produced One For Jay for an impressive maiden victory.
Again driven by Butt, the filly smashed the Roxburgh 2180m track record for a three-year-old fillies when scoring in a time of 2-40.3.
One For Jay is raced by a group of owners headed by Lex Williams, a big supporter of the Roxburgh Trotting Club
“We have always had a really high opinion of her and it is great that Lex and all of her owners that they can be rewarded for their patience with her.”
Butt could wrap up the Central Otago circuit in the best possible style at Cromwell on Monday.
The reinswoman gets the chance to wear her grandfather’s colours, these days used by trainer Matthew Williamson.
Butt will link up with Majesdix, the last horse her grandfather raced before his passing.
“I have never told Matty this much, but I always wanted a drive, just to drive in Granddad’s colours.”
“For him to put me on Majesdix, it will be pretty special just to have the drive.”
Butt will also link up with Commander Ben and One For Jay who will both be out to win again at Cromwell.