Going forward

19 February 2021

TO own a champion and race him at the highest level is anyone’s dream in horse racing.

Yet for Newcastle businessman, Kevin Gordon owning one of the best horses in the land and having him compete in the most prestigious race in his hometown is something pretty special.

Gordon owns the mighty pacer Lochinvar Art, the winner of almost $1.4 million and 28 races, who will contest tonight’s $100,000 Group 1 Ave Technologies Newcastle Mile and the son of Modern Art will be attempting to add to his already marvelous list of victories.

His trainer- driver David Moran was disappointed when he learned that his star pacer had drawn the extreme outside barrier in the eight-horse field, but he remains confident that the horse can continue on his winning way.

“Drawing barrier 10 was not ideal and no matter whether the reserves gain a run or not, he will start from gate eight,” said Moran.

“Obviously, we will have to do some work at some stage and there is an abundance of speed drawn to our inside.

“I will be going froward on ‘Arty’ at the start and hopefully we can at least find the death chair, but ideally it would be great if he were able to find the top, where he races best.

“He has pulled up as well as I can expect following his win in the Hunter Cup.

“He had a few light days before we made the trip up to Sydney where I am happy with the way he has settled in.

“We thought this would be the best path for him to get into the Miracle Mile.

“Hopefully, if things go to plan, we will have our spot in the great race and then he will not have to have another run until then.

“He is a horse that can maintain his fitness by just having a few solid hit-outs on the training track so I am confident that he will be fully fit to contest the mile.

“Taking him to Newcastle tonight has always been on the wish list for both Kevin and me.

“We want to use Arty to help promote the sport in the Hunter Valley and I am sure that fans will enjoy seeing him race there tonight.”

Several leading stables from Sydney and the local region are well represented at tonight’s meeting.