CARISBROOK trainer-driver Brett Shipway has branded his Vale Colin Redwood Trot win with Di Li at Lord's Raceway last Friday night as a special thrill.
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The race honours the legendary central Victorian trotting identity, who died last Tuesday.
His name had become synonymous with trotting in Victoria, exemplified by Maryborough's Redwood Classic.
For Shipway, knowing Redwood made the victory all the more poignant.
"He always trialled here at Maryborough and everyone in this close-knit area had been racing against him for 30 or 40 years, and working horses with him," Shipway said.
"We do consider ourselves a bit different, we've all been squaregaiting trainers from day dot - from Maryborough to Bridgewater (where Redwood was based).
"It's always been one of the strongest districts, and I don't think Col ever missed a trial over here in Maryborough, he was there every weekend."
Di Li, a five-year-old mare by Louey Louey Louey, broke a run of nine runs without a win, stretching back to October last year.
She has won four races in total and been placed 15 times in 57 career starts.
With Harness Racing Victoria last week adopting a new regional racing model due to the coronavirus pandemic, Shipway is content to keep travelling to Bendigo in search of a winner.
He will have one potential starter at Bendigo on Thursday with A Nip Will Do, who is the first emergency in the NR 46 to 55 trot.
He believed HRV had done a great job keeping racing going.
"They are very strict, but they have to be with the quarantine rules - they are going above and beyond," he said.
"You have to be heat-tested before you go and everyone is staying isolated at the races.
"It's an eerie sort of feeling, but where isn't.
"There's no mingling with each other's horses, people are keeping their distance and trying to do the right things."
Vale Col Redwood
Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) regretfully shares news of the passing of Colin Redwood, a HRV Distinguished Services Medallist who has been remembered as "an all-round good guy".
Mr Redwood's name is synonymous with trotting in Victoria, exemplified by Maryborough's Redwood Classic.
Les Chapman, Mr Redwood's colleague during his long service on the Victorian Square Trotters Association board, warmly reflected on his friend today.
"He was hard working, ever approachable," Mr Chapman said. "He was one of the real nice guys of the game."
Mr Redwood was involved with owning, training and driving standardbreds since 1954 and was one of the most respected members of the sport. He was associated with great squaregaiters such as Rockin Dale, Mount Alm, Kurahaupo Lord, Maressar, Red Eclipse, Classic Victory and Arrestin Tess.
He trained and drove these great horses in races such as Inter Dominion Trotting Grand Finals, Australasian Trotting Championship Finals and the V L Dullard Trotters Cup.
His achievements stretched far and wide, not just encompassing his homeland, having represented Australia at a World Amateur Drivers Championship.
Mr Redwood was tireless in his service to trotting, having been on the committee of the Victorian Square Trotters Association for more than 25 years including serving as president.
Mr Redwood will be farewelled at a private service.
HRV extends its condolences to Mr Redwood's friends and family.
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