Win revives memories of late trainer

MEMORIES of one of harness racing’s great characters came rushing back when Jeffcoate scored in Penrith last night.

Breaking his maiden status at his 19^th start, Jeffcoate is named in honour of John “Redhot” Jeffcoate.

A well-known and respected trainer around the Condell Park area, John prepared a successful team throughout his career with the help of his brother Norm and nephew, John Brannelly.

Brannelly is a part-owner in Jeffcoate the pacer.

Thrilled to see the son of Hes Watching make his way into the winners’ circle, trainer Tiarn Sutton stated the victory goes beyond the prizemoney.

“To have this horse win in honour of John is very sentimental to all of us,” Sutton said. “Old Red sat with us all day at the Sydney APG Sales when we bought the horse, but later that night John called us to say he had unexpectedly passed away.

“We were in absolute disbelief because he seemed in perfect health the whole day.

“The conversation moved on to how they had a certificate they had intended to use at the Bathurst yearling sales that they had won with their last horse, which we actually trained for them (The Stevedore), so we offered John to use it to buy into our new yearling instead.

“It was immediately decided we would name him after Old Red and considered Redhot, which was his nickname, but felt it might be a little bit suggestive in such an industry so we went with him Jeffcoate.

“The win was made all the more special because Dad (Glenn McElhinney) drove him wearing Old Red’s colours.”

Leading throughout from the pole, Jeffcoate rated 2:00.2 over 1720 metres as Adams It and Don Kee filled the placings.

“I was a disappointed with the maiden not standing up and as such him being the only maiden amongst race winners, but we were confident with the draw,” Sutton said.

“Dad actually felt if he could lead he would win as he’s been working so well.

“Along with winning for Old Red, it was satisfying as we’ve had a few issues with him along the way, so it’s nice to get that reward for the work you put in.”