Shane Forgie gives Brian Norman all the credit
By Duane Ranger
Outram breeder, Shane Forgie, has paid tribute to Gore horseman, Brian Norman, for producing the best out of the temperamental Quaker Jet gelding, Velocity Jet.
The Forgie bred and Norman trained 5-year-old bay notched up his second win in 15 starts at Ascot Park on Friday (June 9) – thanks to an astute front-running Nathan Williamson drive.
Shane Forgie
“I’m thrilled for Brian, because I sacked the horse. He was just too erratic and head-strong for me. Brian now owns and trains him and he’s done a very good job with the horse.
“He used to gallop all the time, but Nathan got him away smoothly on Friday and he never looked back trotting strongly all the way to the line (untouched). I hope Brian has the same luck with his little half-sister,” Forgie said.
The 56-year-old grocery sales rep was referring to an Imperial Count – The Sweedish Filly (Revenue) weanling filly.
“I bred the first three foals out of The Sweedish Filly, and even though the latest filly is in my name, Brian actually bred the Imperial Count foal.
“The mare isn’t back in foal this season, but I haven’t decided who I will put her to next time. Perhaps Majestic Son or possibly King Of The North if he comes ‘Down Under’. I’ve still got plenty of time to decide this or next season.
“The Sweedish Filly was a bit flighty as well and used to gallop a lot. Brian trained her to win twice for me before I retired her after 19 starts,” Forgie said.
“Her galloping also got the better of me, so I put her to Dejarmbro in 2015 and Park Ranger was born in October 2016, but sadly he died at birth. I then put the mare to Quaker Jet and Velocity Jet was the result.”
Velocity Jet has now gone past his mother in stake earnings ($12,105) with Friday’s second career victory. He is yet to place.
The gelding was the $16.60-sixth favourite of seven, in race five at Invercargill – the Regent Car Court R35-44 Trot.
“The only other foal out of the mare is a Southwind Frank 3-year-old filly named Queen Zara, who is on the ‘not sure’ list. I think the Southwind Franks’ need a bit of time, and that’s exactly what this girl needs. It’s a matter of being patient and seeing what develops,” Forgie said.
He paid $4,000 for The Sweedish Filly because he liked her family.
“She was a younger half-sister to The Fiery Ginga (CR Commando 28 wins & $414,996), and I really liked what the mare did at stud. Just about every foal won,” Forgie said.
The grand-dam Forgie was referring to was the 1999 Pine Chip – Geena Hest (Gee Whizz II) one-win (two starts) mare, Anreca Hest.
All eight of her starters to the races in New Zealand have won. She also has a yearling filly and weanling colt – both by Superfast Stuart, and was served by On A Streak in October.
The Fiery Ginga and The Sweedish Filly were foals three and six – of 14.
Forgie also leased and bred foals out of the 21-year-old Sundon – Diamond Hope (Tailored Way) seven-win mare, Aceofdiamonds.
His best was the former two-time Southland track record holder, Sky Commander. That now 11-year-old son of Skyvalley won three of his 11 starts in New Zealand and then 16 more ($152,536) in Australia for New Zealand Cup winning owners (Copy That) – Merv and Meg Butterworth.
“The Butterworths have bought three horses off me over the years. This one, Sky Commander’s younger Monarchy 9yo half-brother, Ace Commander (5 NZ wins & 3 in Australia), and 5-year-old Muscle Hill half-sister, Sacred Mountain (nine wins & $101,389 for trainer Nicky Chilcott).
“Sky Commander was known as Blue Sky Commander in Australia. He went well there. He actually ran second behind Speeding Spur in the Victorian Trotting Derby (2015),” Forgie said.
He said he had been a harness racing fan for most of his life.
“I remember going to Forbury Park in the early 1980s and watching good horses like Game Adios (1976 Garrison Hanover – Adio Star – Captain Adios) an eight-win gelding go around,” Forgie said.
Forgie has two children Damian (25) and Zara (22). He was born in Sawyers Bay and educated at Logan Park High School in Dunedin.
Shanes two children, Damian (25) and Zara (22)
He then paid a tribute to Grassyards Farm (Charlotte Young and Jason Coutts) in Mosgiel.
“They have been a great help foaling the horses. I like to get down there, and also help them. They have been just brilliant,” Forgie said.
