Veteran trainer Kevin Sandiford registered a personal milestone on Saturday night.
Enjoying his share of success with ‘dish lickers’ across almost four decades, Sandiford decided to return to his roots – horses – a couple of years ago.
Sandiford’s great grandfather, William, and grandfather, Bert, were highly-regarded Blacksmiths and well-known identities in ‘trotting’ circles.
Obtaining his trainer’s licence in late 2024, Sandiford, 74, registered his initial Saturday night win with Popcornfriday in Melton.
Popcornfriday provided Sandiford with his maiden harness racing victory in November 2024 when he caused a massive $60 upset.
“My family has a strong background with horses and I always had a passion for the games as I lived with Nan and Pop, who was a Blacksmith, in Ascot Vale for a little while when I was younger and he introduced me to it,” Sandiford said.
“I eventually met a girl in Fitzroy, who became my wife, but her family, particularly her Uncle Frank, were into greyhounds and I ended up going that way.
“I gave up my licence with them eight or nine years ago, then when I retired, I thought ‘what am I going to do with myself’, so I started getting around stables.
“People like Rita Burnett, Rod Dyer and Leigh Miles helped me learn in those early days and Paul Grech has been great these days.
“That’s one of the great things about this game, there are plenty of people who are always willing to help you learn.
“I’ve part-owned and jogged a couple of slow ones, but Popcornfriday has given me my only wins as a trainer.”
Driven by Jackie Barker, Popcornfriday began led from barrier five before being eased to take a trail behind Isolation.
Angled away from the pegs at the top of the home straight, the son of Camlach sprinted to a four-metre win from Torque Power.
Isolation was a head away third as the winner rated 1:54 over 1720 metres.
“I’m stoked…couldn’t be happier,” Sandiford said. “He’s been going well without much luck, including a couple of placings at his last three starts, so he has been ready for a win, just needed the right run.”
Sandiford co-owns the gelding with his wife, Bernadette, who is affectionately-known as Pommy due to her strange habit of talking with an English accent as a toddler!
