Young Lachie Manzelmann won’t forget 2017.
The 18-year-old has flashed his skills in the sulky which has netted him a number of victories but last night (Saturday) at Albion Park he achieved another milestone.
Manzelmann prepared his maiden metropolitan winner when Sicilian Slumber shot the passing lane to snatch victory from Gangster Boy and Croft Bay to win the Hurrikane Kingcole @ Egmont Park Pace.
Sicilian Slumber was handled by Amy Rees with Manzelmann currently serving a driving suspension.
Only two weeks earlier, Sicilian Slumber provided Manzelmann with his maiden winner as a trainer when successful at the Albion Park midweek meeting.
“It’s a great feeling, I had my doubts with him running a strong 2138m but Amy gave him a really good trip and he came through strongly at the finish. I think he actually goes best when the girls drive him and his form backs that up.” Manzelmann said.
During the year, Manzelmann switched from the Chantal Turpin/Pete McMullen stable and linked with Darrel Graham while taking on his trainers licence.
He claimed Sicilian Slumber at a price of $7000 from a race at Albion Park on November 28; it’s proving to be a wise investment.
Manzelmann had prior knowledge of the eight-year-old gelding during his time with the Turpin/McMullen stable and thought he was the right horse to start his training career.
“I was able to drive him in track work plus I had a couple of drives behind him on race day, I knew a fair bit about him and thought he was the horse for me.
“His best asset is his gate speed and that should be beneficial going forward, I can probably drop him back in grade with a claim again before looking at putting him back in the claiming grade.
“He’s definitely paid for himself, he hasn’t missed a cheque since I got him and he has a bit left in him too, I’m hoping he can pick up a few more yet.”
Sicilian Slumber is the star of the two horse Manzelmann team with Magnussen currently spelling.
Manzelmann landed 23 winners last season while he has 16 winners to date for the current term and he’s keen to expand on that.
“I definitely want to keep building on my totals, I was happy with last season but I’m keen to do better this season.
“I’m getting good support from owners and trainers and want to keep repaying the faith their showing in me. And more Saturday night winners would be great too.”
Manzelmann returns to race driving on Tuesday week (January 9).
