WE’VE all heard some derivation of that joke where an Irishman, a Kiwi, and a Tasmanian walk into a bar. 

But what about the Kiwi horse with an Irish name and Tasmanian owners? 

That’s the background boasted by Victoria’s latest rising star, Jimmy The Irishman. 

Before tripping across the Tasman, Jimmy The Irishman was a low-profile horse in Glen Harwood’s care with the moderate race record of one win from six starts at Cambridge and Alexandra Park. 

Since arriving in Victoria, he’s had a further six starts for six impressive victories; that’s right he’s yet to be rolled on Australian soil. 

On face value, Jimmy’s narrative is relatively clear cut. 

Without revealing the precise sale price, this former Kiwi commodity would not have garnered massive money or interest. 

As a result, it’s understandable to recognize Jimmy The Irishman’s rise as a perfect promotion opportunity to encourage ownership via the Kiwi market. 

And that’s all true. 

But Jimmy’s yarn is much more about friendship than anything else. 

First, there’s the friendship between Sammy Kilgour, who sold Jimmy The Irishman through her new bloodstock venture Cavalier Bloodstock, and Zac Phillips, who has driven the Kiwi import in all his half-a-dozen Aussie successes. 

Then there’s Zac’s enduring friendship with Adam Kelly, who trains the versatile star in waiting. 

As compelling as those relationships are, however, there’s one more friendship circle which defines Jimmy The Irishman’s story more than any other. 

That’s the circle comprised by four Tasmanian mates who bought this previously humble four-year-old import. 

They were there at Mildura for his second Australian success. 

And they were there on Saturday night at Bendigo when he announced himself as one of Australasia’s most exciting young horses against all odds and expectations. 

IT’S been a fair wait but Queensland’s Winter Harness Carnival hits top gear this weekend with the inaugural running of The Rising Sun. 

Looking to leverage off a brand-new concept, the brains trust at Racing Queensland unveiled The Rising Sun as Australasia’s only proper feature for both three and four-year-old pacers. 

As it’s panned out the only three-year-olds tackling the first edition of this $250,000 contest are Krug and Kashed Up, though Krug himself carries the marketing value of seven runners in one. 

Joining Krug at Albion Park this weekend are Auckland Cup winner Amazing Dream and another star Kiwi, Copy That. 

Better known as a leader, Copy That did his best impression of Hectorjayjay when flashing home for success in Saturday night’s Wondai’s Mate, also staged at Albion Park. 

Following that triumph, we now eagerly anticipate a clash between New Zealand’s best three-year-old, best four-year-old and best mare to launch three weeks of breathtaking action at a venue rapidly re-establishing its importance in Australia’s broader harness landscape. 

The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent policies of Harness Racing Victoria, which is the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.