By Dave Di Somma – Harness News Desk
At just 14 hands high it was no surprise when the racemare formerly known as Trina Jaacka got the nickname Peanut. Now she lives in Balfour in Southland, with owner Jane Orr describing her as like “a little Labrador who follows you around the paddock.”
“She’s a kind little soul”.
After her deeds on the track which included one win for Southland trainer Murray Brown the now 13 year old is enjoying life after racing .
“She was bred by Charlie and Ailsa Smail, and bought off Shannon and Archie Armour for my daughter Madeleine four years ago to learn to ride,” says Orr.
Her latest exploit has been pulling a wagon for eight days at the Goldfields Cavalcade. It was her first attempt and Jane Orr’s fourth.
The 28th Cavalcade was held in South Otago and Eastern Southland with the finish at Owaka in the Clutha District, with Peanut covering around 25 kilometres a day.
“She worked hard, but she enjoyed it.”
And Peanut clearly looked good doing it too.
So good that she was the winner of the 2020 Cavalcade photo competition. A shortlist of the ten best looking Standardbred photos was drawn up, and after an on line vote Peanut took out the first prize of a $250 voucher courtesy of Dunstan Horse Feeds.
Other Standardbreds living on the Orr farm include 6-race winners Hurricane Banner and The Receptionist.
“ I love promoting my little standy for life after racing, she has attended Waimea Plains Pony Club, pony camps, in December last year Madeline did the Wyndham A & P Show SB classing, pony trot and jumping, also I’ve joined the Gore Shafts n Wheels Club for driving her.”
The 2021 Calvacade will finish in Twizel, Peanut may just be getting a trip north.
