No-one could argue the chairman of Harness Racing South Australia Mark Carey is not passionate about the sport.
Carey has been an owner and breeder for two decades and was back in the winner’s circle on Saturday night after Soul Desire led throughout in the Ubet Pace (1800m) at Globe Derby Park.
A $1.90 favourite, Soul Desire, trained and driven by Michael Norman, scored by 3-1/2 metres from Loanshark ($3.60) with Ohoka Sniper ($33.80) a further 1-1/2 metres away third.
Such is Carey’s involvement he has two properties, one at Mount Baker and the other at Murray Bridge, the latter being run by his brother Paul. He also has 15 mares on the properties.
He breeds the horses in partnership with Norman’s wife Vicki.
They purchased the Jennas Beach Boy mare Soulful from fellow SA breeding owner and enthusiast David Battye as a two-year-old.
“She only won one race from a short career,” Carey said.
“She has a two-year-old colt by Blissfull Hall with Mick but he has a few issues and won’t be hitting the track just yet.”
Norman said Soul Desire had been a good money spinner and Saturday night was her sixth win for stakes of just under $35,000.
“Vicki and I went away for a short holiday in late March and as there were few suitable races here so we sent her to Mildura for a while,” Norman said.
“She ran well there including a win but when we came home the program was probably a bit better in Adelaide so we brought her home.
“I was confident of a win during the race even though Loanshark put a pressure on during the race.
“My mare found in the home straight and it finished up being a comfortable win.”
