By Duane Ranger (Courtesy of Redcliffe Paceway)
David Rodger has now achieved his most successful year in 12 seasons of training thanks to Springfield Spirit’s gutsy win in race seven at Redcliffe Paceway last Sunday.
The 44-year-old Tarampa horseman was rapt with the Village Jasper gelding’s 19th career victory. That was also his first victory since Rodger took over the training from his mate, Ron Sallis, in May this year.
That tough neck-victory meant Rodger has now trained five winners and netted $30,097. He’s also placed 20 times in 2021. His previous best was in the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 seasons when he bagged four winners.
Springfield Spirit started his career 244 starts ago at Kilmore in Victoria on February 11, 2015, and has had four trainers since then.
“He’s been a bit of a project horse, and I got him off Ron when he had a few he wanted to get rid of. I think a lot of the credit can go to Ron’s farrier, Matty Leroy. He had feet problems and I went back to the way he was previously shod, largely to protect his heel.
“He’s come through it good. He’s nine now but the way he went the other night, I think he’s got a win or two left in him yet,” Rodger said.
“I was surprised he paid $5. The punters knew more than what I did,” he added.
Springfield Spirit and Lachie Manzelmann flew the gate from barrier five, but could not cross the eventual runner-up, My Ultimate Clippa, and were left parked throughout the 1,780m mobile.
When most 9-year-olds would have chucked in the towel on the turn, Springfield Spirit dug deep to get up and win by the barest of margins.
He stopped the clock in 2:13.2 (mile rate 2:00.4). His sectionals were 31.7, 31.8, 29.5 and 28.8.
Although he embraced that victory, Rodger said it wasn’t as special as what his former pacer, Warner, produced at Albion Park on June 26, 2020.
That’s when he trained the Art Major gelding to win the Vale Dave Rodger Pace at odds of $34. Zac Chappenden did the driving.
“I think Dad was watching down on me that day. Of all the races to win, that was the most sentimental. I’ll always love ole Warner for that, because Dad taught me so much about the sport.
“Like me he was born into it. Mum’s (Lyn) family also had horses. I’ll never forget that race. It’s one I’ll always treasure,” Rodger said.
Rodger Senior’s funeral was staged a day before Warner’s nose victory.
“Dad taught me so much about harness racing and I think about him a lot when I’m doing the horses. He had some nice ones too, Peerless Prince (30 wins) and Melba’s Girl (27 wins) come to mind.”
Rodger was educated at Ipswich State High School and when he left, he worked with horses and then became a mowing contractor.
“I ended up breaking in a lot of horses and also worked at The Ipswich Turf Club for several years. I got my licence in December 2006. I think my first unofficial winner was another former Ron Sallis pacer named Fiscal Cliff at Albion Park.
“I trained a lot of horses in Dad’s name. We trained a quite a few winners at Rocklea and other tracks that have now closed.
“I’ve always liked Redcliffe though. It’s a ‘horses-for-courses track. Your horse either goes well there or it doesn’t. It’s always good to race on a unique looking track too,” he said.
Rodger took a break from training between 2009 and 2012 where helped his father and concentrated on shoeing. He has trained 20 career winners and 86 placings for just over $105,000 in purses.
Rodger has been based at Tarampa for 11 years and is working a team of eight. Some of his horses over the years have been:
Popeye Russell (two wins), Kettering Girl (2 wins), Uncle Paul (3), Fiscal Cliff (2), Warner (2), Black Belt (1), Bambole Nere (2), Melton Capri (1), Bobs Gift (1), All Good Wally (1), and of course Springfield Spirit (1).
Rodgers has one sister Sally, and his not married.
Footnote: Springfield Spirit and Lachie Manzelmann also lined up in the last event at Marburg yesterday (Sunday). They drew eight in the eighth race and finished a gallant second.
For the record: Why does Racing Queensland list you as David Junior Rodger?
“I’m noy too sure. My middle name is John and my Dad’s name is also David. I guess they took the ‘J’ as Junior.”
Even though the correct English translation would be David Rodger Junior, he prefers David Rodger now that his father passed.
