Goosebumps & Daniel Dynamite

Te Akau apprentice Daniel Miller combined with Goosebumps (9 g Istidaad - Raewyn's Polly, by Gold Crest) to record an incredibly exciting victory in the Maiden Steeplechase (4000m) on Sept. 2 at Paeroa.

As followers will know, racing over the fences is heart in the mouth stuff and for the sixteen year old to register his first win in such gripping fashion was a sight to behold.

A winner on the flat and over hurdles, Goosebumps and Miller had finished seventh on Aug. 24 when making his debut over bigger fences in the Maiden Steeplechase (4150m) at Ellerslie, last time out, and the confidence both horse and rider took from the experience was clearly evident as they sailed along at the head of the field.

Adding to the self-assurance for Miller was his second placed finish aboard Mister Deejay (Faltaat) in the open steeplechase last Thursday at Hawera.

In an incident packed affair, especially in the early stages when the field of nine was reduced to only five after six fences, Miller had Goosebumps in front and unawares of mistakes being made by those behind him. Reaching beautifully for his fences as he settled into a rhythm, he appeared to love his work on the slow footing with a lap remaining and jumped the obstacle at the 1400 metres like a stag. Joined and headed by Reynards Bro (His Royal Highness) nearing the turn, Goosebumps levelled again over the last at the 200 metres and came clear stylishly to win by three and a quarter lengths.

Goosebumps is raced by South Islanders Bill Thomas and George Gould, whose distinctive black and white colours are those of the farming Grigg family from Ashburton.

“It was an enthralling win and good for all the hard work by horse and rider,” said Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman. “He looked the horse of old today and he was right, and up for it.

“It was great to see Goosebumps back on track after a promising start to the season and likewise for Daniel (Miller) we are absolutely rapt for him. He's a hard working member of the team and we are thrilled for what appears the start of a promising jumps career.

“It was a credit to the owners for giving Daniel the opportunity and the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes by Pam (Gerard) and Tommy (Hazlett) with the horse and their tutelage of Daniel.

“There was plenty of emotion shown after the race, with Dan's parents and grandparents shedding a tear and even Tommy (Hazlett) had a tear in his eye,” said Bridgman.

Having already mentored successful riders Chad Ormsby and Daniel Stackhouse, the adulation from Tommy Hazlett was heartfelt.

“I was so excited I didn't know what to do,” said Hazlett. “He (Miller) gave him a lovely ride and never panicked when one came up to challenge.

“I was absolutely delighted with the win. Not only for the loyal owners but young Daniel Miller, who shows exceptional skills for a horseman of his age,” said Hazlett. “In only his first season of jumps riding he looks to have what it takes to have a long and successful career in the game.

Miller is from Te Puke, where his father John runs a pine logging contract business and mother Maree, who runs the farm, has catered the needs of five children (Craig, Adam, Sara, Daniel and Lilly) of which Daniel is the second youngest. Before becoming an apprentice jockey, he competed in the equestrian field for seven years, contesting pony grand prix at the Horse of the Year and last season won the Director's Award, for diligence, at the Waikato Apprentice Jockeys' School Prize-giving. He also has a strong connection to racing through his grandfather Benny Craig, who was a jumps jockey.

“He wanted it and he loved it out there,” said Miller of Goosebumps, following the race. “He jumped most of the fences sweet and the ones down the back, and over the hill, he flew them. I gave him a click down the back the second time and he was just cruising. I didn't panic when the other horse came to him and I still had heaps left.

“Rather than a bog, he loved the ground and I think he will run further as well,” said Miller.

“I've been waiting a little while, but I'm rapt to have won and I'm rapt for Tom, Pam, and Jason, and for Goosebumps to turn his attitude around is wicked. He can really jump and when he gets his stride spot on he can sail them.

Providing he pulls up well, Goosebumps will next race during National Jumps Day on Sunday Sept. 29 at Te Rapa. 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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