Tim Trathen making habit of winning at Richmond
Former Nelson horseman Tim Trathen with his latest winner Nellie Doyle at Richmond Park over the weekend. <em>Photo: Stephen Stuart.</em>
Former Richmond owner-trainer, farrier and publican Tim Trathen is making a habit of winning at his old stamping ground this time of year.
In January 2024, the now West Melton-based horseman produced the smart mare Ooga Chaka to win on the second day of the Nelson Harness Racing Club meeting and last week he went one better.
Trotter Nellie Doyle triumphed on Friday and again on Sunday after only qualifying to race two months ago. Making it even more satisfying, it was his 50th training success since he started out in 1990.
“I was raised in Richmond and as well as working with horses, I used to operate the Railway Hotel close to the racecourse. It has since been knocked down,” says Tim, who moved to Canterbury about 20 years ago.
Tim was lucky to come by Nellie Doyle as a training friend, Kim Nyhan, broke a wrist and asked him to take on the royally-bred square gaiter and another trotter Night Life which won at just her second start for him in November.
“Me and some mates were then able to buy Nellie Doyle. It is so hard to find the right one,” says Tim.
Last Friday, the six-year-old mare led throughout and, in the hands of champion reinsman Blair Orange, defied her rivals to run her down.
“She has a good motor, and I knew if she did things right she would be hard to beat. She has done a great job,” enthuses Tim, who was being roundly congratulated by fellow horsemen on his way back to the stabling area.
Nellie Doyle backed up two days later against a stronger field and this time sat behind the leader before pulling clear in the run home.
“It’s good to come here and even better to win at home. I used to live down the end of Queen St and Mum and Dad are still here. All the family was on course, so it was a great day,” declares Tim.
Nellie Doyle is named after the wife of legendary Canterbury trotting trainer Bill Doyle, who prepared horses for almost 50 years.
The latest winner dates back to some trotting superstars. It is a breed that rarely goes outside the immediate family, so she has broodmare potential as well.