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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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm
“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm
“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm
“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”
Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm
“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm
“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm
“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm
“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”
