I called Harry Coffey to offer congratulations on his Bendigo Cup win on Wentwood. Harry took little credit for the victory. All he wanted to do was heap praise on Warrnambool trainer Maddie Raymond who got the horse to train when he arrived from Ireland early this year. It was Harry who told me the horse is very difficult to manage and would test the patience of most trainers.
Although a gelding, Wentwood has a mind of his own. He wants it all his own way around the stable, won’t cop too much discipline and is always in a hurry in trackwork and his races. “You’ve got to work with him and not against him,” says Maddie. “My partner Pat Bell rides him in all of his work and can usually talk him down a bit.”
After winning two minor races in Ireland for the legendary Dermot Weld, the gelding was imported to Australia and went straight into Maddie Raymond’s Warrnambool barn. She was obviously considered the right trainer for a difficult job and has delivered in spades! Maddie’s methods have helped the horse to win five races - the St. Arnaud, Terang, Werribee and Bendigo Cups with a Flemington restricted win thrown in. Damian Lane has ridden Wentwood in three of those wins, while Harry Coffey was on board for the St. Arnaud and Bendigo features.
Maddie is in line for twelve bags of the Hygain/Mitavite product of her choice!
Maddie Raymond has the right touch with the quirky Wentwood. Her efforts have earned her the Hygain/Mitavite Country Trainer Award for October 2021 - courtesy Racing Photos.
(Banner image - Harry Coffey coaxes Wentwood to a narrow win over favourite Smokin' Romans (Jye McNeill) in last weeks Bendigo Cup - courtesy Racing Photos.)