It was a great way to start the New Year.
And it was an even better way to start a new chapter in your life.
Popular horseman Jack Butler has taken up permanent residency in Queensland following a move from Bathurst recently and started his new venture with a victory with his first starter from his new home.
Butler now owns and operates his business from the Logan Village property previously occupied by John McCarthy.
And following a hectic couple of months with packing and unpacking, Butler produced his first runner at Albion Park yesterday (Tuesday) and struck instant pay dirt when Jester Oh Jester scored a narrow yet impressive victory in a heat of the Seymour Rising Stars Championship.
Jester Oh Jester is now qualified for the Listed $25,000 Final this Saturday night.
“That was just great to start with a victory, I was hopeful he would race well and he delivered. It was such a big day for the whole family because my kids started in their new school also so it was great to sit down with them last night and talk about everything that happened.” Butler said.
Jester Oh Jester was handled by young Brendan Barnes who also works for Butler following stints with Vicki Rasmussen and Bart Cockburn.
Butler elected to start Jester Oh Jester fresh-up since his victory at Bathurst on December 19 and expects further improvement to come from the talented Grinfromeartoear gelding.
“I was happy with the way he settled into his new surroundings and his work was strong, Brendan advised me that his times were good enough to start with and this series looked perfect. It’s handy that Brendan has had previous experience working from this property.
“I’ve always liked this horse, he’s got plenty of good qualities about him and I think he will do a sound job up here. We’ve drawn two in the final and I’m expecting another forward showing.
“I have another starter on Friday at Albion Park while I’m planning on taking a few to the trials also, the team is coming up well and everything is going along nicely. We’re all getting used to our new surroundings.”
Butler is currently working a team of 19 pacers and is hoping to expand on that number in the coming months.
“I’ve picked up Beetson recently while I’m hoping to have a few more from down south join the stable including a nice two-year-old which I left down there for the Bathurst Gold Crown series.
“I’ve certainly got room for a few new clients while when the colder months approach back home, I expect a few to head up this way. It’s been a scorching summer but I know that the winter here is so much better than back home at Bathurst.”
Let’s hope the good form continues for the Brisbane based Butler.
