After a few years in the wilderness, the Mitchell family was back in business at Wanganui yesterday. Semi-retired Manawatu farmer Bruce Mitchell bred and races Marno from his nephew Stewart Mitchell's Bulls stable along with the Mitchell Family Trust. The Germano-Sunlit three-year-old gelding sat quietly outside the early leader Tellermine before beingurged to the front hands and heels by rider Hayden Tinsley on straightening. Marno and Tinsley burst away for an effortless three and-a-quarter length victory over Platinum Slipper with Te Awamutu visitor Parramatta powering home down the outer for third. Bruce Mitchell said he returned to the racing fray after selling his farm at Kairanga near Palmerston North to "keep the mind busy. "I'm semi-retired now so decided to get back into racing. We have raced horses for years, but had a wee break in recent times. We owned the mare who won two on lease for Noel Eales and when she finished we started breeding from her. It's nice to be back in the winner's circle so soon after getting back in the game ? you never tire of that winning buzz," Mitchell said. Marno is the eldest horse Bruce Mitchell has in work with a number of trainers around the country. "We are looking forward to an exciting couple of years. We have some nice youngsters in work," Mitchell said. The Mitchell team bagged a double for the day when Sistadaad came from well back to easily claim the Konami 1600m event later in the day with Tinsley aboard.
