Denise and Alistair Smith, the Wendon owners of Springbank Richard, with the Otago Horse of the Year trophy at Palmerston on Saturday night. Photo by Tayler Strong.
Springbank Richard and well-performed stablemate Leighton Hest are ready to trial after short spells.
The Phil Williamson-trained pair have not raced since mid-May when Leighton Hest finished first and Springbank Richard sixth, in a race at Addington.
Springbank Richard also won the Trotters' Mile at Ashburton and Banks Peninsula Cup last spring.
Williamson has high hopes that Leighton Hest can emulate Springbank Richard by winning a major race this season.
Springbank Sam, who won twice as a 2yr-old last season for the Williamson stable, has had his spell extended to allow for a growth spurt.
He finished fourth in the Harness Jewels at his last start in June.
