By Duane Ranger in Brisbane
Thomas Borcoskie’s first win at the Waimate Trotting Club’s meeting on Sunday (October 26) will forever be etched in his memory for two sentimental family reasons.
Not only was it his father Paul’s 53rd birthday, but Phar Lap Raceway was also the venue of his late grandfather Brian’s last ever driving success behind Iffy Tryax on January 8, 1988.
“Grandad passed away in March this year, and I immediately thought of him when I crossed the line. He taught Dad and I a lot, and it’s just so satisfying to win on a track where Grandad saluted the judge for the last time.
“He was a very good horseman. He trained the 1997 Ladyship Mile winner, Silk Brocade to a 1:57.9 victory. My Uncle Brent drove her at Harold Park that night. That mare won 15 races all-up ($170,153) including the Group Two Premier Mares Championship and ran third in the 1997 New Zealand Free-For-All behind other good pacers – Brabham and Iraklis,” Borcoskie said.
“I miss Grandad dearly, but his memory will forever live on in my heart,” the 17-year-old added.
Fast forward 37 years and nine months from Borcoskie’s (Brian) last winner, and his grandson has now broken his duck with his 10th drive behind the Tom Bagrie-trained. She’s A Major Act. It was also the Art Major 4-year-old mare’s first victory in 25 starts.
Borcoskie flew the gate from gate eight with the $6.10 third favourite on the Timaru grass, and they were in front after 100m. That’s where they remained throughout the 2,100m standing start event, despite being challenged by several opponents all the way up the straight.
A brave She’s A Major Act combined with some urgent Borcoskie hands ensured a nose victory. The winning time was 2:43.7, with a 2:05.4-mile rate. Last 800m: 60.5. Last 400m: 29.8.
“She fought back nicely and dug deep to get the win. She’s got good gate speed so she always gets handy. She put herself in the race today and even though we got there by the barest of margins, she was just too good.” said Borcoskie.
With school still his main priority, Borcoskie helps at Tom Bagrie at his Ohoka Stables – about 20 minutes from his Sefton home.
“I spent a few days a week working with my good mate Seth Hill when he worked there. I’ve learnt a lot from Dad and Grandad over the years. Robbie and Carla Holmes (Leithfield Beach), were also very good to me early on in my horse journey.
“I worked a couple years for them, and they taught them me most of what I know now. They took me to race meetings and treated me very well. I went up there in the school holidays and when I could, and that that helped my driving confidence immensely.
“It was Robbie who encouraged me to get my driving license. I wouldn’t be where I am without them
and they are largely responsible why I will continue being involved for the time being in the harness racing industry,” Borcoskie said.
That was She’s A Major Act’s first win at start 25 for the four-year-old Art Major mare.
The talented teenager can drive in more ways than one.
A classy left-hand batsman for his St Bede’s College Cricket First XI, Borcoskie, who stands at six foot three, produced many elegant cover-and-on drives in his 98 against Sydenham this year and a century (108 not) versus Sacred Heart College last season.
The Christchurch-born horseman, who is also a part-time right arm off spinner made the St Bede’s Firsts at the start of this year. He also scored 58 against St Andrews College in a Gillette Cup game last weekend.
This writer recently had the privilege of umpiring the gifted six-foot-three batsman against St Patrick’s College at Pine Rivers on his school’s recent four-match tour in Brisbane. I could tell then he oozed class.
“I enjoyed the Queensland experience. We played some good schools on hard tracks and in hot weather. Playing four games in a row was tough in the hot weather though. I love cricket and have played it most of my life. One of my better innings was when I represented Canterbury Country in the South Island Primary Schools tournament against the Christchurch Cricket Association. From that point on a I had a strong desire to play First XI cricket.”
Borcoskie will return to St Bede’s next year to undertake his Year 13 studies.
“I’m on study leave now will then carrying on working at Tom’s (Bagrie) over the holidays. I’ve been there since the Autumn. I’m very grateful for the drives he gives me. Then I’ll see what happens after school. At this stage I’m looking at getting a degree in land and property management. Whatever happens at least I’ll have harness racing to fall back on,” said Borcoskie who is a day-boy at St Bede’s.
The Borcoskie family comprises Paul (31 driving and eight training wins) and Sara, and their children Thomas (17) and Ella (15).
Borcoskie wasn’t sure when his next drive would be, but was hopeful it would come at Kaikoura on Sunday and Monday week (November 2 and 3).
Footnote: Fiercely Canterbury through and through, it was only appropriate the cheeky teenager had the last say when referring to last Saturday’s NPC rugby final which his beloved red and blacks beat Otago by 36-28 in Christchurch.
“As you say Duane… there’s not story for second son!”
FOOTNOTE FROM MUM – SARAH BORCOSKIE: “Thomas has had a good week, both with the bat and the reins, as well as his studies. Tonight (Wednesday) we attended his school prize giving where he received three awards for academic achievement and potential for an excellence in accounting (I think). Very proud parents indeed. I know Tom, and the other boys, enjoyed their time in Brisbane playing cricket, and getting to finally meet yourself Duane. It is a memory he will remember forever. All the best.“
Thomas Borcoskie’s first win:
