Racing: Swedish magic at Washdyke

Photo / Thinkstock

Mattias Hjalmarsson, who secured a licence to train last week, produced Amy's Invasion to win at Washdyke yesterday and register his first driving success.

Hjalmarsson (38), a Swede, took employment with West Melton trainer Ken Barron 10 months ago. He previously worked 18 months for Pukekohe trainers Brian Hughes and John Green.

He has also worked with horses in his homeland and the United States.

"I met a Kiwi girl [Lisa Cleghorn] in the US and she brought me to NZ," Hjalmarsson said.

He became friendly with Michael Harry when working in Auckland and this led to him training Amy's Invasion and three other horses for Sue Falconer, of Moa Creek. The horses are raced by the estate of her husband, Keith.

Harry has been jogging up horses for Falconer.

Amy's Invasion had gained a second in four starts from the stable of Michael House. Hjalmarsson rated her well in front yesterday and she won by a length and a three quarters.

Amy's Invasion is a 6-year-old mare by Armbro Invasion and the only foal out of Bonspiel Amy. Hjalmarsson qualified Young Betsy for Sue Falconer at Rangiora last Tuesday. Young Betsy is a 9-year-old half sister by Brylin Boyz to Bonspiel Tui and the last foal of Betsy.

Raewyn Low had her first win as a trainer when Land A Dream was successful yesterday. She took out a licence to train in 2005 after her husband, Derek, died.

He trained Regal Maina, whose eight wins included the 1984 Four-Year-Old Championship at Forbury Park.

Raewyn bred Land A Dream, the last foal of her dam, Smooth Ladyship. Derek bred two other foals from the Smooth Fella mare and qualified the pair.

Trainer Cran Dalgety reached 100 wins for the season when Bettor's Fire was successful yesterday. His tally surpassed his previous best of 85 last season. Dalgety also won the 2-year-old race yesterday with Fifth Edition. Otago Daily Times