First-Time Trainer Wins with 30-1 Longshot in New Zealand

Mitchell Scheuber's patient journey as a horse trainer finally paid off in the most unexpected way when his rank outsider, My Ten Guitars, stunned the field at his home track in Rangiora, New Zealand. The 30-year-old trainer's first ever win came full circle with a beautiful twist: his friend Sam Thornley was in the sulky.

Three years ago, Scheuber was helping Thornley with his then-winless trotter Dragons Sunrise before she gave Thornley his first training success at Banks Peninsula in April 2023. Now the roles had reversed, with Thornley steering My Ten Guitars to victory for Scheuber's breakthrough moment.

"To win my first with Sam too makes it even more special," says Scheuber, whose voice captured the joy of years of early mornings and hard work finally paying off. It was only the second time Thornley had driven the horse for Scheuber, making the victory even more remarkable.

My Ten Guitars was the rank outsider in the race, with odds of 30-1 making him one of the longest shots on the board. But racing has a funny way of rewarding those who believe, and Scheuber's faith in his horse proved well-placed.

Why This Inspires

This story reminds us that success rarely arrives on our timeline. Scheuber spent three years learning, training, and supporting others before getting his own moment in the winner's circle. His willingness to help Thornley achieve his first win without jealousy or impatience speaks to the kind of person he is.

The harness racing community in New Zealand's Canterbury region is tight-knit, where trainers support each other even as they compete. When someone celebrates a first win, everyone who helped them get there shares in that joy. That's the kind of community spirit that makes any victory sweeter.

Now both young trainers have their first wins under their belts, achieved with each other's help. Their friendship turned a long-shot victory into something even more meaningful than the win itself.