A week can make a huge difference in harness racing. Just ask southern breeder-owner Brian Ferns.
Ferns has enjoyed an outstanding fortnight with his comeback pacer Feta Go Fernco who has won her first two starts at Wyndham and Ascot Park.
A tendon injury is the reason why it took until the middle of her 5-year-old season for the mare to hit the track for trainer-driver Matthew Williamson.
"I sent her up to Matty’s and she qualified beautifully, two years ago," the breeder-owner said.
"I brought her home for a spell and I took her out to the beach to Murray Little’s and we jogged her up for 11 weeks.
"Then she went and cut a tendon open after getting new shoes on.
"I was originally going to send her back to Matty a week before, but that extra week ended up costing me two years and thousands of dollars in vet bills."
Given plenty of groundwork ahead of her return to Williamson following her recovery from injury, Feta Go Fernco is not racing like a horse that has had a two-year injury hiatus.
Victory now is especially sweet.
"I’m absolutely rapt after what we have gone through with her," Ferns said.
"For her to come and do this in her first two starts, especially for Matty and Charlotte (Williamson), it is fantastic."
Feta Go Fernco is by Betterthancheddar from the four-win mare Betta Go Fernco, who notched some sharp times during her career.
"The family has got speed and this girl has always shown speed and she is so easy to deal with."
Yesterday’s victory was win No33 for the Williamson stable this season.
That tally places the Oamaru trainer at the top of the Otago-Southland ranks and fifth on the national trainers’ premiership.
Feta Go Fernco defeated Tilly Dunnage in her debut win at Wyndham last week with the latter galloping behind the mobile before dispatch.
Tilly Dunnage was on her best behaviour on her home track yesterday when powering away to an impressive victory.
In doing so, the 3-year-old delivered on the potential she has shown trainer Wayne Adams.
"We always thought she had a bit of ability and she showed that today."
Tilly Dunnage is raced by longtime Adams stable owners Grant Stalker and Margaret Kreger.
