Dad steps in and steps up

If you know Select Sires, you’ll know it’s the back stories we thrive on and this is a beauty!

It appears Chris Towne didn’t have enough ribbons, so he popped daughter Bell’s 7yo gelding TOWNE SERIO (by Daleys Playrio) on the truck whilst she attended school.

The results certainly not what was expected, Serio catapulted into Open status.

◼️ WINNER Pannawonica Open
◼️ Broome Open Draft – 4th
◼️ WINNER Kununurra Open cutout (24)

Congratulations Chris & to Bell who did all the ground work and set him up for dad to take the glory.

Enjoy the story, as told by a very proud Sally Towne.


“Townes Serio (by Daleys Playrio) is our daughter Annabelle’s horse, she has had him since a 3yo and trained him to where he is today. Due to grade 12 commitments Bell was unable to attend any of these drafts so Chris was able to ride Serio over these run of drafts, which he secretly was very excited about.

Towne Serio & Chris Towne. 2024 Kununurra.

“As Chris has not been on him since he was three they took a bit of getting to know each other again with Serio at first not too happy to not have his favourite Bell as his jockey, but they warmed up together over the course of the drafts and certainly finished with a bang.

“Serio has pretty much been out of action for 18 months due to two almost life threatening injuries, so to have him fully recovered and back on the truck is a miracle in itself (it was very touch and go if we could ever compete on him again) but for him to come back at the level he has come back at is nothing short of incredible.

“When Chris and Serio were on an 87, one of the top scores going into the Pannawonica Open final Bell was back at school waiting in anticipation, nervous but excited for them both, and did quietly mention, ‘It would probably be good not to win the open on him Dad!’

“They were 4th out and ran an 89 and with over 30 in the Open final it was a long wait ahead! It turns out luck was on their side and they ended up taking out the Open by only 1 point, just ahead of Alister Gordon on Conman stallion Devilscreek Anchorman!

“We broke the news to Bell and although it was not her breaking his Novice status into Open she was very proud of her Serio and her Dad. Serio would certainly not be the horse he is today without all the hours of training and commitment Bell has put into him over the years.  At only 7 yrs of age Serio and Bell have a very exciting future together ahead of them. 💞💞”

~ Sally Towne