It was a family affair when three year old Ron McKinley toughed it out for victory in the 2600m maiden race at Addington last Sunday. Owned by Trent’s wife Sarah Yesberg and his brother Dane who is located in Perth, Ron proved he’s a smart stayer in the making when prevailing in the hard-run race on the slushy track.
Trent Yesberg secured Ron McKinley for $25,000 at the inaugural 2019 NZB Yearling Sales. “Having had him since then, it’s most satisfying to see him pick up a win on debut,” says Trent. “He’s got a good motor and has always looked likely to shape up as a stayer.”
On Sunday driver Matty Williamson gave Ron plenty of time to find his feet, settling midfield while This is Bettor set a genuine pace in the wet conditions. Over the final 800 metres as other horses were left gasping, Ron steadily bridged a sizeable gap to hit the front strongly near the line.
Ron’s off for a spell now. “When he comes back and with a bit more ringcraft he’ll be a really nice horse in the Spring,“ says Trent.
With a name like Ron McKinley some may be rushing to Google to find who the Bettors Delight gelding is named after. The fictitious name was given to a typical Kiwi bloke in an improvisation show at the Court Theatre some time back. “He was hilarious,” says Trent. ”We decided there and then that one day we’d name a horse after the character.“
In other Ripple Creek stable news, we’ve welcomed two of our trotters back to the training track. Four-race winner Majestic Action is in work again after short break away from racing. Meanwhile our Kadabra colt Chilled Magic, a half to Enhance Your Calm prepared by Ripple Creek for the 2020 Yearling Sales and retained by his owner for racing, is furthering his education In Trent’s hands.
Four-year-old maiden mare She’s Watching has also returned to the stable after an injury layoff. There’s plenty happening down at Ripple Creek as we head into the winter racing season.