Onyx Shard and Andre Poutama fly up the passing lane to nab Bev The Goat. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.
Ian brings in his mates on Onyx Shard - just don’t tell my friends I’ve got a wobbly!
By Barry Lichter • 14 April 2023
The secret’s out.
But Awapuni CEO Paul Humphries had such a blast watching Onyx Shard’s win at Cambridge tonight he doesn’t care any more.
When Lincoln Farms’ business manager Ian Middleton invited his mate Humphries to take a share in the showy black pacer, the committed gallops owner said: “Just don’t tell my friends I’ve got a wobbly.”
It’s Humphries’ first foray into the dark side, and along with his best buddy Ian Harris they now share ownership of the Sweet Lou two-year-old.
With races on at his home course today, Humphries had to settle for watching the Cambridge race from the birdcage bar at Awapuni.
“He had a big crowd watching with him and they all backed her,” Middleton said.
Ian Middleton greets his pride and joy Onyx Shard, held by Deb bie Green who bought the filly for him.It was a similar story at Cambridge where Middleton was sitting with thoroughbred trainers Stephen Marsh, Robert Wellwood and staff from New Zealand Bloodstock, who all collected on the punt.
The win was especially enjoyable for Middleton too being his first with his own horse.
“Debbie Green bought her for me, along with a Fear The Dragon colt, named Obadiah Dragon, and the three of us race them both. I wouldn’t trust myself to buy one.
“I’ve had lots of fun with winners in Lincoln Farms partnerships, like American Dealer and Northview Hustler but this is the first one I’ve owned outright.”
Middleton paid tribute to Lincoln Farms’ owners John and Lynne Street for getting him enthused with horses on his return from Canada.
Onyx Shard returns to scale after winning at her third start.And he’s now spread the love with two of his best mates.
“I’ve got a winning photo for you and I expect you to hang it front and centre with your galloping winners,” Middleton told an excited Humphries who called during the presentation ceremony.
“What more could you want? The filly was even driven by a boy from Palmy.”
In a perfect display, former Palmerston North reinsman Andre Poutama got the filly out fast from the pole, took a trail on leader Bev The Goat, and extended up the passing lane to score by a neck.
Trainer Ray Green said Onyx Shard, a two-year-old racing older horses, had a nice future, with her laid back temperament.
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Ray’s comments
Tuesday at Addington
Race 9: Debbie Lincoln
4.03pm
“She’s drawn out but I think she’s got the gate speed to be put into the race. You’ve got to be handy to beat the good ones and we don’t want to be stuck behind some of the others. The one drawn two inside us, Arafura, looks the one to beat but Debbie is as good as anything in the race in my opinion. It’s not going to be easy but I’m hopeful. She’s done well down here and is in good shape.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Cambridge
Race 5: Im Not The Maid
6.17pm
“The draw helps and while she’s very honest she still needs to improve. Gary Hall said she was a bit stop-start last time but he cut corners and wasn’t too far away at the finish. He reckoned his toe rope broke at the top of the straight.”
Race 8: Lincoln Maree
7.49pm
“She showed no speed when resuming and it’s hard to see her playing a part in this.”
Race 8: Lincoln Downs
7.49pm
“She went the best of them last time, was hampered turning or home, and could improve.”
Race 8: Jessie Lincoln
7.49pm
“She’s a big filly but so far, so good. There are a few negatives, like the second row draw and it being her first time under lights, but I think she could go quite well. It’s not a wonderful lot against her and she’s training well.”
Race 8: Lincoln’s Spice
7.49pm
“She over-raced early first-up and burned herself out. She’s a delicate little thing but we’ll put some plugs in her this week. Last time in I thought she could be the best of them. Whether the others have caught her up or she’s gone backwards I don’t know.”
