Major Hot (NZ) Delivers Group One Title for Whites

Trainers David and Stacey White enjoyed their biggest thrill in harness racing when Major Hot (NZ) (Art Major) won the A$150,000 Group One Queensland Derby (2680m) at Albion Park on Saturday night. The NZB Standardbred graduate clinched a thoroughly deserved Group One success when prevailing at the end of a stirring contest.

The Whites have recently taken over the training of Major Hot, who has been brilliantly consistent in top company in New Zealand throughout his career. It has been a whirlwind few weeks for the trainers with the star three-year-old, who has helped the couple realise a dream and become Group One winning trainers, in just three starts in their care.

“Just to be here and part of this amazing Carnival with any horse is such a huge thrill and now to win a Group 1 is, wow,” Stacey White told HRNZ.

The Whites faced the disappointment of having to scratch the star NZB Standardbred graduate Bet N Win (NZ) (What The Hill) from the Group One The Great Square (2138m) a fortnight ago, due to the trotter suffering from a hoof issue.

Saturday night’s win at the Constellations Carnival handed the Whites and owners Phil and Glenys Kennard, who share in the ownership of both horses, great reward.

“The Kennards have a share in Bet N Win and it was such a thrill when they asked us to take over this horse,” David White told HRNZ.

“They took a risk on us with this horse and to reward them tonight with this win is very pleasing.”

The Kennards secured Major Hot for $95,000 when he was offered by breeder-vendors Breckon Farms at the 2022 National Yearling Sale at Auckland.

The owners syndicated the pacer among a group of owners which includes the Breckon Racing Syndicate, as well as Jim and Anne Gibbs and Gary and Keryn Woodham.

Major Hot drew a tough alley in the Group One Queensland Derby in barrier five on the second row.

The pacer settled well back in the running, but some great manoeuvring from driver Adam Sanderson saw the pair into a dream spot before the home turn.

“There was a lot going on mid race and we had to avoid a bit but after that I couldn’t believe the run he got, he had his chance at the top of straight and luckily he was good enough to take it,” Sanderson said.

Major Hot secured the New Zealand born driver his second Group One success in the sulky.