Jimmy Carter Extending the Family Legacy

Now a ten-year-old, Jimmy Carter is showing no signs of slowing down. Trained by Phil Williamson, the durable trotter recorded his 20th career win at Addington on June 21 — taking his earnings past $311,000 from 158 starts.

His recent form, coupled with the rise of younger half-brother Our Pinocchio (eight wins to date), serves as a powerful reminder of the remarkable trotting family line developed by Mid Canterbury breeders Bevan and Keith Grice.

Both geldings are out of Jo Anne, a 12-race winner from just 35 starts and a true standout for the Georgeson stable in the early 2000s. As a juvenile, she won seven of her nine races at two — placing in the other two — before winning two more across the Tasman at three.

At stud, Jo Anne produced 13 foals. Nine made it to the races, with six winning — Jimmy Carter being her most prolific.

Jo Anne was by Sundon from Janetta’s Pride, a three-race winner who herself left an astonishing 16 foals between 1996 and 2012. One of the earliest to shine from this cross was her full brother Dependable, a record-setting juvenile trotter who won 14 races including eight at two and three.

The Grices sent Janetta’s Pride to Sundon 12 times — producing nine fillies — and this branch of the family has since blossomed into one of New Zealand’s most influential modern trotting dynasties.

Vivian Leigh, though unraced, produced five winners including The Benchmark (nine wins, $91,000).

Juliana, who had four placings from five starts before injury, became a foundation broodmare. She produced eight winners: Sarah Palin (10 wins, $121,000), Monty Python (15 wins, $300,000), Father Christmas (23 wins, $274,000), Dark Horse (14 wins, $144,000), and Hidden Talent (nine wins, $141,000).

Jasmyne left Red Hot Poker (10 wins), while Shirley Temple — a Group winner and NZ record holder for Paul Nairn — produced Crusher Collins (eight wins, $100,000).

Platinum Plus left four-race winner Laura Bush. Rugged Cross won three and all three of her foals became winners. Cuddly Jess won five and her first foal, Night Life (by The Pres), is already a winner, while her second, Tickle Me Ginger (by Bacardi Lindy), is a qualifier.

The Grices have clearly struck gold with a particular formula: breeding their Sundon mares to The Pres and Bacardi Lindy. Jimmy Carter and Hidden Talent are two prime examples of how successful that cross has been.

The last of Janetta’s Pride’s Sundon foals was Triple A, an unraced mare who is now building her own record at stud. She’s produced Missile (five wins) and Aldebaran Alissa (13 wins, 1:57.7). Muscle Dash, also out of Triple A, looks close to breaking through for Ohoka trainer Tom Bagrie. Meanwhile, Brad Williamson has joined the family legacy with Isobel — who won on debut and is out of Dame Margot Fonteyn (by Muscle Hill – Triple A).

It’s also worth noting that not every success from Janetta’s Pride came via Sundon. Her son Ima Gold Digger (15 wins, $364,000), by Monarchy, was good enough to trot a 1:54 mile in North America after a stellar domestic career with the Georgesons.

Janetta’s Pride was by Gee Whiz from Zola, a daughter of Game Pride. Zola had only two fillies — both by Gee Whiz — from her ten foals. Zomba left little of note, but Zizette (qualified only) left five winners including Buster Keaton (seven wins) and Zealous Lady (eight wins), both raced by Margo Nyhan and Pete Davis. Zealous Lady, currently in foal to Royal Aspirations, is the dam of Overzealous (nine wins, $131,000).

When one stands back and surveys this remarkable family tree, the legacy becomes clear: this is one of the most influential trotting families in the country.

And with names like Isobel, Missile, and Muscle Dash now carrying the line forward, it’s a legacy that looks destined to grow even stronger.