By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
It was his first training success in five years and Brian Zampese made it one to remember.
When Spiritual Bliss just edged out stablemate Touch N Go in the Betavet Regumare Fillies and Mares Mobile Pace at Addington yesterday it was not only his first win since 2018, but his first quinella in 30 years of training.
“It’s not often I have two in a race so to get the quinella was really good,” says Zampese, “these two haven’t had much luck and both are very well bred.”
The pair are both three year old fillies, with Spiritual Bliss (Always B Miki – Spirit And Desire) having her first win in four starts while Touch N Go (Art Major – Kabet) recorded her first placing in just three race day outings.
Spiritual Bliss started on the outside of the front line over 1980m with Touch N Go one on the second line. Not rushed off the gate they both made their move in the three wide line at the 600 with Spiritual Bliss just edging out Touch N Go by a nose, the Zampese trained quinella paying $86.40.
“From where I was sitting halfway down the straight I thought Touch N Go was going to hold on.”
“Both are nice horses, Spiritual Bliss has to fill out a bit and strengthen up and Touch N Go is a nice filly who just needs more racing.”
Zampese has nine horses in work, and works from his own place at West Melton just outside Christchurch, with help from his brother Raymond. Over the years he has supplemented his income by selling stock, and also breaking in and pre training young horses.
He’s now had 61 wins since joining the training ranks 30 years ago. He rates his best horses as Toldyah, a seven win trotter in the early 2000s, and Grimentz, who won six races in 2001 and 02.
His best training season wins wise was the 10 he had in 2002, with his last winner being Sweeney Todd at Oamaru in June 2018.
“It doesn’t seem that long ago,” he says, “though we haven’t taken many to the races.”
Zampese hopes he’s “turned a corner” with his latest success and he has also high hopes for Sweetazz, a Sweet Lou – Pembroke’s Delight three-year-old who qualified at Rangiora on July 5.
“He’s out for a spell now but we think he’s got a bit of ability.”
As for Spiritual Bliss and Touch N Go Zampese plans to have them back at the races within the next fortnight or so.
