From no background to prominent industry identity
ALTHOUGH harness racing is widely-considered a family-orientated industry, those with no background becoming prominent members of the sport is not uncommon.
Just recently we published an article about Dean Cernovskis, who had no family ties, and although scared of horses, loved equines to the point he has become a respected trainer and breeder.
Victorian reinsman Damian Wilson is another who had no family background and is now a Group One winner.
South Australian-bred horsewoman Kim Procter started her family’s foray into training by winning a pony in a raffle when she was a 10-year-old!
Another on the list is New South Wales-based Ron Littler, who went from attending the trots to being an owner and successful breeder.
“It all started for me by going to the races in Fairfield and the Blacktown gymkhana,” Littler recalled.
“I didn’t have a family involvement, but I started watching them and fell in love with horses.
“I got my first horse in the 1970s and have been in the game ever since.
“I had 50 horses at one stage!”
After racing “some nice horses”, Littler decided to venture into the breeding side of the industry, which quickly became his passion.
Among Littlers’ broodmares is Gifted Bliss which he regards as the best he raced.
Retired with 10 wins and 12 placings from 31 starts, Gifted Bliss is emulating her racing feats as a matron.
Gifted Bliss is the dam of two winners from two starters, including My Ultimate Ronnie, which was sold via Australian Pacing Gold.
Trained by Jarrod Alchin, My Ultimate Ronnie boasts eight wins and two placings from 11 starts.
Winner of his four outings this season, the son of Bettors Delight is among the favourites in tonight’s South East Derby at Albion Park despite drawing the second row.
“I bought some nice horses I liked and after they finished racing I started breeding out of them,” Littler said. “I’ve been breeding for about 20 years I supposed.
“Gifted Bliss is the best I have owned at the races and she is becoming the same in the breeding barn.
“My Ultimate Ronnie, which is still the co-holder of track record at Menangle, is the best one I’ve bred and I reckon he can give me my first Group One as a breeder.
“He’s got a real presence about him and is one of the nicest looking horses you’ll ever lay your eye on.
“On top of that he has the ability to go with it.”
Aintshegreat is another of Littler’s top produces with four winners from seven starters.
One of Aintshegreat’s daughters was limited to one start in which she finished third.
“Aint She Great has done a wonderful job for me,” Littler said. “She is in foal to Captaintreacherous in what will be her last breeding.
“She’s getting on now and it’s time for her to spend the rest of her days relaxing as much as possible.”
- HARNESS BREEDERS NSW