Triumph Against Time: Just Believe’s Unforgettable Victory in New Zealand’s TAB Trot
Just Believe made the ultimate statement in what was arguably the strongest group of trotters gathered in Australia or New Zealand since the southern hemisphere in 1997 (more on why shortly). It also hushed those critics who were wondering if age was finally getting the better of him.
Driver and co-trainer Greg Sugars stated, “This is the kind of moment you live for and the reason we’re in this game.” “He’s given us a lot of amazing moments throughout the years, but none of them truly compare to this. There was a lot of depth in this wonderful field.
It’s the strongest trot field we’ve seen in this area of the field in a very long time, and it’s well documented. And on his first encounter in New Zealand, he managed to come across, sit outside of them, and prevail. When it comes to horses like him, you run out of words to say.
“To us [Sugars and wife Jess Tubbs, who trains Just Believe], he’s been really special.” He’s simply a unique horse to be around and do anything with, more than that. He’s simply incredible, considering that he traveled to Sweden [in 2023] and accomplished what he did before arriving here and winning such a prestigious race.
In May and June of last year, Just Believe bravely ran three races in Sweden and won, garnering a horde of admirers worldwide. The Swedes fervently desired his return for a rematch at Elitloppet in the latter part of next month, but that is not to be.
According to managing owner Malcolm Wells, “No, he’s not going back.” We gave it a lot of consideration, and he will continue to compete in some major events in New Zealand. With their large stable at home, Sweden is a tremendous commitment for Greg and Jess—a massive commitment, in fact.
It’s no secret that traveling to Sweden is expensive. The money Sugars would lose by not driving back to Australia at the time makes it still financially difficult, even with the kind assistance of Harness Racing Australia and the Solvalla circuit.
For the next two or three feature races in the upcoming weeks, the Kiwis will therefore have to fight with Just Believe. Indeed, Sugars stated, “He’s staying here.” “In a few weeks is his next [race].”After 73 starts, Just Believe’s victory was his 29th, and he also placed 22nd.
With $1,386,523 it moved him up to the second spot on the Australasian all-time prize money list. At $2,256,724, only the powerful Lyell Creek has more. Just Believe was better for the trip, according to Sugars, when he was getting ready to go back to racing late last year following his vacation to Sweden. With 13 starts, 11 victories, and two outstanding seconds, his record indicates as much.
In addition to winning the TAB Trot, he has also triumphed in the last two Inter Dominion finals and the 2023 Great Southern Star, a race in which he placed second only to a glamorous European import earlier in the year. Refer to me as the breeze.
“It’s nice to turn the tables on him [Call me the breeze] tonight and get one back, and I won’t hide that,” Sugars declared. That being said, he’s a wonderful horse, and they will engage in many more exciting encounters. It’s fantastic for the game.
Give me a call. The terms in front were set by the breeze that blew in from the gate. Though Sugars thought differently, he appeared to be traveling at his best on the home bend. Sugars retorted, “No, I thought I had them turning for him.” “When you ask, I know how much my guy finds—he was still cruising.”
Amazingly, Sugars failed to remove the earplugs at all. He remarked, “As soon as I got them, I let him go to the line as comfortably as I could.” “He completed the remaining tasks.” Call me the breeze, who battled valiantly to finish in second place, is returning for a stint to Australia, where driver Nathan Jack is hoping to get another opportunity to defeat Just Believe later in the season.
Jack remarked, “To go so well is a credit. He just had a couple of little niggles going into [the race], and the camp wasn’t 100% happy.” “Just Believe is a strong horse, and I commend him for that, but I’m eager to race him once again. They are developing a fierce rivalry.
While New Zealand has traditionally claimed to have superior trotters than Australia, the first four spots in the TAB Trot were occupied by four Australian raiders, demonstrating the dominance of the latter nation. Arcee Phoenix, a promising mare, came in fourth, followed by the brilliant mare Queen Elida.
Duncan McPherson, of Aldebaran Park fame, is a well-known Australian trotter owner, breeder, and supporter. He was quite happy after the race. It’s a race, McPherson exclaimed. What a bunch of equines. I can assure you that these horses are of the highest caliber; I have traveled the globe to witness the greatest races. Right now, everyone is watching our trotters.
The $1 million Race By Grins, Cambridge’s other main race, was won by Merlin last Friday night, adding yet another chapter to the extraordinary career of one of New Zealand’s finest horsemen of all time, Barry Purdon. Under the expert guidance of young gun Zachary Butcher, the 4-year-old leader and fan favorite Don’t Stop Dreaming was overtaken, setting a new national record time in the process.
New Zealand ushered in an exciting new era as the 4-year-olds outperformed their older competitors. Merlin’s victory ranked up with any of the major races Purdon has dominated, including the Inter Dominion, Miracle Mile, Hunter, and New Zealand Cups.
“It’s truly unique and different to come in such an exciting new race at this point in my career, in my twilight,” Purdon remarked. “I enjoy doing it with my co-trainer, Scotty Phelan. He has worked on Merlin nonstop. He has won. Scotty has spent so much time with us. This is a moment to cherish, and he feels like family.”
Purdon’s particular taste was much more intense. “Dean Shannon owns Merlin, and he’s been one of our best and most devoted owners for a very long time,” Purdon remarked. “All Dean deserves is to have a horse like Merlin together.
“Over my career, I’ve had some amazing horses, but Merlin has proven that he’s on par with them and still has years to go.” He’s quite new to these major races. With just 26 starts under his belt, Merlin has 18 wins and $1,145,620.