The Vlemmix family after their win. Photo credit - Photography by Jodie Hallows
Consistent pacer Gordon continued his good run by taking out the Trayning Cup on Sunday at Kellerberrin for the Vlemmix family.
After starting from barrier two in the $8000 feature, Peterson and Gordon were able to work to the lead easy, and after an uncontested run over the 2130m trip, the pair were able to hold a comfortable margin on the line to win by 7.2m in a 1:59:7 mile rate at the Central Wheatbelt track.
Trained by Will Vlemmix and driven by Corey Peterson, it was a case of being in the right place at the right time when they were offered the now eight-year-old three years ago, with their leap of faith rewarded quickly with a win first up with the gelding at Northam on June 26, 2020, with Peterson on board.
More than just a horse around the stables, Gordon has been in the care of the Vlemmix family for 106 starts now, for six wins and 19 placings, cementing his way into the hearts of his littlest owners.
“He is the stable grump but a softy for the little kids,
“My little one thinks he is her riding pony.” Michael Vlemmix said
https://www-harness-org-au.akamaized.net/wa/ZOC18062309.mp4
With Will Vlemmix getting involved in harness racing in the 1970’s when he and his dad got their first horse, it wasn’t long until ‘Pop’ Vlemmix was granted his trainer’s licence. Will eventually got his licence during the 1995/96, and with the horses firmly ingrained in their lives, Michael eventually got the bug as well, competing in pony trots as a young boy, a tradition that has continued with his daughter Mikayla Vlemmix frequently in the winner’s circle with her pony Prancing Princess.
It isn’t just harness racing that has interested the Vlemmix family, but in 2002, they made their debut in Greyhound Racing, having a total of 27 starters over a four year period, with Shirokaya giving them their first win at Mandurah after leading all the way from box one, just two days before Christmas.
In 2021, they were one of the winning teams in RWWA’s Chase The Dream Competition, where they won a 10% share in a pup, who then went on to race as ‘Our Dream Girl’ winning three races and placing in four from just 10 starts.
Chase recently retired and has since gone to live with Michael Vlemmix and his family as their new family pet, lapping it up as the professional couch potato they are perfectly suited to.
Ashleigh Paikos