Dockers star Hayden Ballantyne snares first winner as racehorse trainer

The Dockers look set for a big end of season trip after their livewire forward Hayden Ballantyne snared his first win as a racehorse trainer with a horse part-owned by a bunch of his teammates.

Fremantle Dockers livewire Hayden Ballantyne registered his first winner as a racehorse trainer after Mankind hung on to win at Belmont Park in Perth.

The three-year-old, which is part-owned by Ballantyne and teammates Aaron Sandilands, Joel Hamling, Brandon Matera, Luke Ryan, Taylin Duman and Brendan Cox among others, was heavily backed from $11 to $3.40 in the 1400m race.

Great win by Mankind today in WA. Mankind is trained by @freodockers player Hayden Ballantyne and his first winner as a trainer. It was $11 into $3.40... I think the lads have got the lot!! @SkyRacingAU @TonyBrassel @Quinny_1 @BigSportsBrekky #giddyup pic.twitter.com/n5EzycEFKU

— Dave Stanley (@daveystan1) June 12, 2019

The support proved spot-on as the gelding jumped straight to the front and held on for a narrow win in the Amelia Park Handicap. Hamling, Ryan, Cox and Duman took advantage of a player’s day off to be trackside for the big win.

“There were a lot of high-fives going at the 100-metre mark so we were pretty excited all the way in,” Ballantyne told Racing and Wagering WA post-race.

Hayden Ballantyne enjoys dabbling in racehorse training.

“The heart’s still racing. It’s a fantastic feeling and I’m wrapt to be in the winner’s circle for the first time. It’s a bit different (to football). It’s a bit more intense.”

Mankind was having its fourth start for Ballantyne. The gelding was formerly trained by Grant and Alana Williams.

The veteran Docker’s father Graeme trained 2013 Perth Cup winner Talent Show.