Queensland owner/breeder Ian Corazzol is excited.
Anticipation continues to build as his star mare Torque In Motion nears her return to the racetrack but the passionate harness racing enthusiast gained an extra thrill after his pride and joy was crowned in Sydney.
On Saturday, the annual Awards night was staged at the Sheraton on the Park and Torque In Motion was crowned the Aged Mare of the Year after polling 12 of the 20 votes possible.
The P B Bullville mare won two of her three starts in Sydney last season including the Gr.1 $200,000 Ladyship Mile at TABCORP Park, Menangle defeating some of the best mares available at the time.
“It’s a great honour and a real thrill. It’s quite a humbling experience.” Corazzol said.
The brilliant Queensland mare was also shortlisted as the Queensland Horse of the Year last month with Grand Circuit warrior Washakie and juvenile freak Majestic Mach with the latter taking honours.
The announcement across the weekend didn’t entirely come as a shock to Corazzol who made the trip south to accept the award.
“I’ve got to be honest, it wasn’t a shock considering what she achieved in the state plus knowing that the Ladyship Mile is the best mare’s race in the country. I thought I had a good chance all things considered.
It was rather ironic that Daniel Cordina presented the award on behalf of his family because they also sponsored the Ladyship Mile.
It was great to be there and accepting the award, it’s always great to be acknowledged by your peers and the fact it was in Sydney was an extra bonus.”
Corazzol is eagerly awaiting the return and expects this upcoming campaign could be even better than her previous which netted four wins from five starts.
Torque In Motion hasn’t started since winning the Ladyship Mile on March 3.
“Everything is going to plan according to Vicki (Rasmussen – trainer) and Shane (Graham – driver) with a return expected within a month all going to plan.
A possible trip to Perth for their new feature mare’s race is an option but we won’t force the trip if she’s not ready but it’s an attractive option for sure. Travel could cause a few problems but I haven’t delved into that at this point.
A title defence of the Ladyship Mile is another big focus this season while Vicki wouldn’t mind testing her against the boys in a race like the Len Smith Mile in Sydney next year.”
Torque In Motion is the winner of 19 races from 30 lifetime starts with earnings in excess of $330,000.
By Chris Barsby
