As Americans prepare to get to work and head to the voting polls, connections of a little-known Australian standardbred are doing the same. And that is, getting to work.
As former United States President Donald Trump seeks re-election during the 2024 campaign, his equine namesake ‘Trumpys Legend’ is quietly going about his business in the Sunshine State.
Young harness racing couple Narissa McMullen (29) and Matt Elkins (27) are always scouting talent, both locally and abroad.
Earlier this year, a five-year-old gelding based in the Riverina caught the eye of McMullen after scanning some internet horse sales websites.
The young couple discussed their possibilities and carried out their due diligence.
Soon after, the moderately performed pacer found himself in a new barn at their Coominya property.
And at a rock bottom price of $1800 plus freight.
“Ris [Narissa] checked out most of his replays and spotted a few things she liked about him. Firstly, he’s by her favourite stallion, American Ideal, while he was a clean going type and had some speed coupled with his low NR assessment, so it was decided he was well worth the risk given the cheap price,” Elkins said.
Boasting over 1400 career wins as a driver, McMullen continues to build on her training record and now has over 270 career wins with some of her better performers being progeny of the ill-fated American Ideal.
Ideal World won eight races while running many placings during his time under the care of McMullen while Streitkid (four wins) and Bobby Waterhouse (three wins) have also been solid performers.
Upon his arrival, the latest acquisition to the highly respected couple was naturally dubbed “Donald”.
“He stands out. He’s quite a tall horse but his roman nose is the most obvious feature; you can’t miss it really,” Elkins said.
“He’s quite a straightforward horse with his gear rigging, an open bridle with no head-check and a set of knee boots. Ris put a shadow roll on, but I think that’s more cosmetic than anything else, hoping to hide his nose a little.
“Since arriving he’s been no trouble whatsoever, a lovely attitude and easy-going style. He’s adjusted very easily and quickly, he’s a good eating and drinking type while he’s also basic with his shoeing.”
Following some pleasing trackwork, the young couple opted for a race without a public trial. They found a NR up to 43 Pace at Albion Park on June 11 where he drew the inside gate for the 2138m event.
It was Trumpys Legend’s first start since finishing fourth at Leeton on March 12.
McMullen handed the keys to Elkins for his first Queensland start and, although drifting with punters support, Trumpys Legend led throughout and scored comfortably while rating 1:59.6 defeating Snip Of Beauty and Charlie Chuckles.
Two weeks later, at the feature Marburg Constellations race day, Trumpys Legend again led throughout after drawing the inside gate.
McMullen handled Trumpys Legend herself that day and he scored easily defeating Shereacts and Artistic Saint in a time of 2:01.2 for the 1850m event.
“Ris was so nervous prior to his first start. I don’t know if it was because I was driving or something else, but he did it quite comfortably and after landing the inside gate at Marburg, we were quite confident he could go back-to-back although that race was a NR46 to 49 race,” Elkins said.
“Given the NR handicapping, you’ve just got to work the system and that’s why we took a chance with this horse. He was a two-win horse with a very low rating and the prize money for that grade of horse every Tuesday at Albion is excellent.
“At times, you can go and spend good money for a New Zealand pacer or even at the yearling sales, but given the handicapping structure, it makes sense to look at the cheaper options given the prize money is more than adequate.”
So, Trumpys Legend had banked over $9000 in just two starts, and added to that total with a win at Albion in early July, followed by two placings in August.
A wise investment.
Some may say, Trumpys Legend – you’re hired!
Both McMullen and Elkins have represented their state of Queensland at the Australian Young Drivers Championship, and both have enjoyed good success as trainer/drivers with McMullen scoring in the 2022 Group 1 Darrell Alexander Trotting Championship with Global Flight while Elkins partnered My Ultimate Star in the Group 2 APG Gold Bullion for Sydney trainer Jarrod Alchin.
McMullen was just 26 years old when she surpassed 1000 career victories as a driver while Elkins is getting closer to the mark himself.
Trumpys Legend was bred by Kirsty Day. He’s by American Ideal from the unraced Grinfromeartoear mare Best Expression.
He is the only foal the mare has produced to date, but he hails from a strong family with relations including former Bathurst Gold Tiara winner Dougals Dream plus Dougs Place, Idol Stride, Imperial Stride, Trilogy Stride and Imprincessgemma among others.
Trumpys Legend started his career in Victoria with Michael Watt where he registered victories at Echuca and Charlton before switching to the Riverina and joining the stables of Darrell Hillier.
