Jumal Scores Gritty Harness Million Victory

It may not have been in the manner punters are accustomed to seeing, but Jumal (NZ) (Downbytheseaside) continued his winning ways at Alexandra Park last Friday when victorious in the $200,000 Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million 3YO C&G Final (2200m). 

The son of Downbytheseaside went back to back in the series final after taking out the 2YO edition of the race back in October at Addington, giving trainer Steven Reid his fifth Harness Million win.

Following his eye-catching three-length victory in his northern debut in the Group Two Alabar 3YO Classic (2200m) a week prior, Jumal was forced to do it the hard way in the Harness Million, sitting parked for the majority of the journey before fighting hard to the line to win by a neck over Signman (NZ) (Lazarus), with a further head back to Allamericanplayer (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) in third.

Bella Storer, the partner of Reid and part-owner of Jumal, alongside Malcolm Wrigley, was trackside and she was rapt to witness yet another win by her pride and joy.

“It has been an amazing journey, every time he lines-up I’m a ball of nerves but it just gets better and better, and that is what racing is all about,” she said.

It was Jumal’s ninth victory from 10 starts, and Storer said she cut it fine to make it to Alexandra Park on Friday night.

“I was at Mel Robbins (motivational speaker) at the convention centre. I left halfway through, got a rental car and just got here in time. It’s very exciting to be here,” she said.

Bred by Dave Kennedy, Jumal was offered through his Beaudiene Breeding (SBSR) 2024 National Yearling Sale draft where he was purchased by Reid for $95,000.

Storer said she was taken by Jumal when inspecting him at the sales in Christchurch, and while he was an expensive purchase, he has proven to be more than worth it, having now netted more than $365,000 in prizemoney.

“Through the sales he was one of my picks,” Storer said. “I remember taking Steven down to see him in the box, Dave Kennedy mentioned him to me at the Cup function a year prior. 

“We went down and fell in love with him, I was given a budget and did what I did and away we came with him.”

Storer was particularly pleased for Reid to get the win on Friday.

“Steven puts in so much hard work, as do all of the trainers, and to see his efforts pay off is pretty unreal,” she said.

Vendor	Beaudiene Breeding (SBSR)
Purchaser	Mr SJ Reid
Owner(s)	M G Wrigley, Miss I A D Storer
Breeding	Downbytheseaside - Beaudiene Blinkz
Sale	2024 National Standardbred Yearling Sale, Christchurch ($95,000)
Breeder(s)	W D Kennedy