Tilthesunsets NZ Photo by Paceway Photos
It took 64 starts, but Tilthesunsets NZ finally found the winner’s circle and he did it win a 16m winning margin just for good measure.
On Monday at Pinjarra, the six-year-old trotter broke through for his first career victory, delivering a well-earned win for trainer Nigel Johns, driver Chris Lewis, and long-time owner Paul Demicoli.
With 54 of his 64 starts in Western Australia, Tilthesunsets NZ arrived from New Zealand in early 2024 with more than just a maiden tag — he came with gait issues and a lack of confidence. Having raced exclusively on grass tracks back home, the gelding had never been tested at high speed, and it quickly became clear he struggled under pressure, often hitting his elbows.
“He came with issues of gait problems,” explained stable forewoman Deb Woodley.
“He vetted sound, but his confidence was low. Racing on grass meant he’d never run fast times, and once he did here, the elbow-hitting became a real problem.”
Johns worked tirelessly to correct the issue, gradually building the horse’s confidence. But in late 2024, Johns faced a health scare that forced him to slow down, including stepping back from the corrective shoeing that had been key to Tilthesunsets NZ’s progress.
Despite the setback, the team persisted. And on Monday, their patience paid off.
In the opening event, a standing start trot over 2116m, Tilthesunsets NZ began safely from the front line, settling three back on the pegs.
With 700m to go, Lewis made his move, and in the home straight, the gelding surged to the lead, finally shedding his maiden status.
It may have taken 64 starts, but Tilthesunsets NZ proved that with patience, persistence, and a little bit of heart, anything is possible.he win was a sweet reward for Johns, Woodley, and Demicoli, whose belief in the horse never wavered.
