24 November 2017
CHAMPION New Zealand trainer Tim Butt has set up his stable in New South Wales and the only horse he has in that barn currently is racing this Saturday night at Tabcorp Park Menangle.
Promising trotter Gentleman Sir will make his Australian debut on Saturday night and it will also be the gelding’s first start under Butt’s care.
The son of Love You arrived in Sydney earlier in the week and has a big career ahead of him according to Butt.
“I purchased him for clients of mine with views of a Grand Circuit horse,” Butt said.
“He’s pretty talented but he is also pretty green and there are some big expectations of him but it’s all a work in progress.
“Trotters can take a fair bit of time but he certainly has the talent.
“He raced against the good ones over in New Zealand and raced in the (Harness) Jewels.”
At the age of five, Gentleman Sir has only had 14 starts.
He takes his record of six wins and five placings into race nine this Saturday where he has drawn barrier 10 over the 2300m.
“It’s a pretty good race for him to head into but it’s all about giving him experience and it’s only going to get harder, he might have to face On Thunder Road next week,” Butt said.
“I’ve only had him for 10 days and it’s a big learning curve for a young horse.
“I’ll keep starting him at Menangle before taking him down to Melbourne for some big races.”
One of Butt’s stable stars already in Victoria is Len Smith Mile winner My Field Marshall.
“He will stay down there until after the Hunter Cup,” Butt confirmed.
“I’ll probably keep three to four horses in Victoria all the time with my brother (Anthony Butt).”
Butt is also still keeping a team in New Zealand.
“My co-trainer Jonny Cox will look after the team back home and there are about 20 in work there at the moment,” Butt said.
Here in Australia, Butt is setting up his stable at the Menangle Park Training Centre where he will add another eight horses to his barn by next week.
“It’s going to be good,” Butt claimed.
“I only have one horses here at the moment and I’m just going through the process of find permanent staff, a blacksmith and getting feed sorted as well.
“It’s a great training establishment, there is everything you need there.
“I’ve decided to base myself in Sydney as I feel there is more opportunity here, the handicapping is better and being in NSW you can easily race horses in Queensland and Victoria as well.”
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
AMANDA RANDO | MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
(02) 9722 6600 • arando@hrnsw.com.au • @Amanda_Rando