Canty trainer reaches milestone

Southland Times

John Parsons, Horse Trainer of North Canterbury.

Relevant offers

Racing

Tuesday is victory day for His Honour Aristocrat of the track THE FORM AND FIELD Eyes on the triple Empyrean has 4th win in row Horse of the Year among mares in auction Devil Dodger springs surprise Worthy wins to solid pair Flying Franco Jamar startles Aussies Good test for Stunin Cullen Walsh to be based in Chch Coming home

Canterbury racing trainer John Parsons etched his way into the history books yesterday when training his 1000th winner.

The win came courtesy of the consistent Confused who had taken Parsons close to the milestone on a couple of occasions in recent weeks.

But there was no bridesmaid title to be had yesterday at Oamaru when Chris Johnson pathed an inside run up the straight for the Bertolini gelding who obliged by running away a length and a quarter winner.

"It's a great feeling to finally get there," Parsons said.

"We have a pretty skinny racing team at the moment so I was starting to wonder how long it was going to take to get those last couple of wins."

In a career that has spanned over 30 years Parsons said it seems an age since Rosearna credited him with his first training success at Westport in the 1970s.

He went into partnership with his wife, Karen, in the 1996-97 season and together they have registered more than 400 wins.

While not wanting to compare different horses Parsons said that he had been lucky enough to have some really good horses through the stables.

"Diablo Girl and Seamist both did a great job but probably the highlight has been Doctrine Heir who won a Waikato Steeples. He was a right ratbag of a horse but he had ability."

Flying the stable flag high these days is grand galloper O'Cartier who Parsons said trialled recently after a brief spell in the paddock.

Besides their success in galloping, the Parsons also have 57 wins next to their name in harness racing.

Harnetts Creek flew the stable flag high as a pacer winning a Kaikoura Cup but Parsons said that side of their training was just a hobby.

"We have always enjoyed the harness side of things and it's been a great wee hobby for us over the years," he said. Harness might get a bit more serious for the Parsons over the coming 12 months with the emergence of exciting pacer Chaff Muncha who has had one trip to the races for one stunning victory.

"I do think a bit of him but he still has a bit to learn. We have chucked him out for a spell and hopefully he can come back just as good if not better."

Despite now having 1000 galloping wins next to his name, Parsons said there was going to be no slowing down.

- © Fairfax NZ News