Golding’s training career to start at Winton

[Chief Stipe]

Stunin Magic will need to find the right piece of real estate if she is to win her debut at Winton on Saturday for trainer Stevie Golding.

The Sunin Cullen filly will be the former champion junior driver’s first runner as a trainer and will be driven by Samantha Ottley.

Sunnin Magic’s draw, in barrier one on the second row, means Ottley could have a tricky task in finding a cosy spot for the filly to occupy during the run.

That is something Golding has plenty of experience with through his work as a real estate agent.

And it is a role he is enjoying.

“It is going pretty good, really good, actually.”

“It has probably been better than expected and hopefully it continues.”

There is some crossover between the real estate market and the harness racing industry for Golding.

Many of his clients are involved in harness racing.

“A lot of my clients are harness people.”

“That is why I have kept my foot in the door, to show that I am putting something back in to the game.”

Golding’s day job means his new venture in to training will be treated as a hobby.

“It is just a hobby, so I get up in the morning and train a couple and then go in to the office.”

“It is working out pretty good.”

“It will be something different just doing it as a hobby.”

Stunin Magic goes in to her debut having won her qualifying trial at Rangiora at the end of last month.

With premier racing at Addington on Friday night, it made sense for Golding to trek the filly south for her first start.

“It is probably a bit of an ask going down there first up.”

“But you have got premier night at Addington on Friday night and there is nowhere really to go and it will probably make her as a horse whatever happens on Saturday.”

Stunin Magic’s fate could rest in the hands of driver Brad Williamson, who steers the horse she follows out in Rakabeach.

Rakabeach showed good gate speed when running sixth after drawing wide in her last start at Winton.

“It is probably a good draw, because she shouldn’t have a gut buster and if she has a bit of luck she might be good enough to run a hole.”

Samantha Ottley has a busy weekend in the sulky.

She will drive at Addington on Friday night, before heading to Winton on Sunday and Waimate on Sunday.

 

Former premiership winning junior driver Stevie Golding is enjoying his career as a real estate agent.

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