Errol D Triumphs at Winton, Rewarding Loyal Ownership Team

A remarkable victory for the trotter Errol D at Winton not only highlighted his recent consistent performance but also served as a significant reward for his dedicated ownership group and trainer, Mark Shirley. This win on October 7, 2023, marks a pivotal moment in Shirley’s journey, particularly after a serious accident left him with a broken pelvis.

The incident occurred while he was on Oreti Beach, where a fall from Errol D resulted in his injury. Despite this setback, the culmination of hard work from Shirley and his team has led to the trotter’s success. Earlier in his career, Errol D struggled with unpredictability but has recently shown a marked improvement in performance, culminating in this notable victory.

Shirley recounted the accident, stating, “I broke him into the saddle thinking I could ride him and it might get him going a bit better. It was just a freak accident, and I came off him. Because he is 17 hands, I broke my pelvis. At the same time, my wife Debbie broke her arm.” The couple’s resilience has been mirrored by the support from their ownership group, which includes Pat and Brendon Langford.

The Langfords have a history in racing, with their family’s previous success in gallopers. Grant Shirley, Mark’s brother, contributes to the horse’s track work, and Mark Hogan has been appointed as the manager of the ownership group. Following the accident, Pat Langford took Errol D home, jogging him and providing the necessary care to help the trotter regain his focus.

The collective effort of the ownership group has been instrumental. “They are a great and very loyal ownership group, and they all do their bit,” Shirley noted. He humorously added, “I have got more stablehands than horses in work. I am just thrilled they were able to be rewarded today.”

A critical aspect of Errol D’s development was the input from Brian Norman, a trainer in Gore who specializes in managing difficult trotters. “We sent him to Brian because he is very good with a wayward trotter. Brian identified a soreness issue with his feet, and we have been able to rectify that, which has been a big help,” Shirley explained.

Errol D’s lineage is also noteworthy, being bred by and named after the late horseman Errol Downey. The trotter was purchased from the stable of Michelle Wallis and Bernie Hackett. Shirley remarked on the horse’s pedigree, “He is well bred. His mother, Sanchipola, won about eight races.” After the race, Hackett reached out to Shirley, acknowledging his role in Errol D’s progress.

Driver Shane Walkinshaw played a crucial role in the race, leading initially before trailing the runner-up, Hobbs, and making a strategic move along the inner to clinch the victory. This tactical execution paved the way for Errol D’s breakthrough win, solidifying a promising future for the trotter and his team.

With this victory, Errol D and his team have demonstrated that perseverance, teamwork, and expert training can transform challenges into success. As they continue on this journey, the support and dedication of everyone involved will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of their future endeavors.