Father Time takes out South Bay Trotters Cup

The Kevin Townley trained Father Time likely forced his way into Dominion Trot contention with a gritty win in the Group 3 South Bay Trotters Cup at Kaikoura yesterday afternoon.

The 4-year-old son of Father Patrick did it the hard way – sitting parked throughout the 2,400m trip before resolutely holding out Bounce N Beyond, who had enjoyed a softer run on his back, late in the piece to win by a half head.

It was the reigning New Zealand 3YO Male Trotter of the Year’s seventh lifetime win and took his earnings to $199,668.

Bred by Townley’s Tavistock Breeding Limited, Father Time is out of the Monarchy mare Firenze, a daughter of the multiple Group 1 winning NZ 3YO Trotting Filly of the Year Solar Fire.

Father Time’s feature race win was part of a siring treble for Father Patrick, with Pontiff and Dreams Pat also in the winner’s circle at Kaikoura on Monday.

Father Patrick is enjoying a stellar season to date in New Zealand, with the champion son of Cantab Hall currently sitting at the top of the NZ 2YO, 3YO and 4YO Trotting Sires Premierships.