HORSEWOMAN KerryAnn Turner scored what she describes as “my biggest win as a driver” after taking out the Kriden Investments Shirley Turnbull Memorial, feature event at Monday’s hugely successful TAB.COM.AU Carnival of Cups meeting at Bathurst’s Group One Feeds Paceway.
She gave Aztec Bromac NZ a lovely trip in the running line and brought the five-year-old with a strong run down the centre of the track to hold off Blazin N Cullen, one of three John McCarthy runners in the event, with Freyberg running on well for the minor prize.
After an anxious wait of several minutes while stewards checked the run home for possible interference in the sprint lane, it was a relieved and chuffed trainer-driver who joined a big gathering of equally delighted Turnbull family members for a presentation which is always one of the highlights of the Bathurst racing season.
Club president Wayne Barker welcomed the Turnbull family, race sponsor Rod Smith and HRNSW Chairman Graham Kelly spoke about the significance of the race and the meeting, then the legend himself, “A. D.”, kept the big crowd hanging on his every word as he reflected on the success enjoyed by females in racing now – he’s a big fan – and how different it was back in his hey-day.
It’s always lovely to observe the affection and respect of the crowd, and particularly the younger family members, for this celebrated figure.
They mightn’t have kept the race “in the family” this year – as a $53,000 Group Two, it’s increasingly difficult to win – but it was a very good night for the Turnbull clan.
Mitchell, Steve and Amanda each picked up driving wins with Hey Porsha, Star Writer and Parramatta respectively, with Parramatta rating 1:53.3 to equal the track record which Amanda already owned with El Fuego.
Jason and Emma Turnbull had grabbed a double and a win, respectively, at the lead-up meeting several days earlier, and they were keen to line up for their own special pic with “Grandfather” before they assisted him from the track.
And in accepting the traditional driver’s trophy from the Turnbulls, KerryAnn – who took a training double after Robbie Morris’ earlier win with Kleened Out – reflected on her own family’s involvement in what is, everywhere, one of the true family sports.
An equally large family group gathered on the track for the presentation of the Ray and Olive McCarthy Memorial, taken out by last season’s Tiara winner Dont Think Twice, first up since the Breeders Challenge final in June.
Jason Grimson controlled the race from the start, and the Operative daughter came her last half in 56 seconds flat, to defeat the late-closing Hez All Courage and death-seater Alpine Stride.
It was a highly impressive return by a filly who’s being set for the Oaks races and of course, a return trip to Bathurst to defend her Tiara success in the Gold Bracelet next March.
John McCarthy spoke on behalf of his family, whose representatives included Andrew, John and Narelle’s U.S. based son who is back home for a few months. Andrew’s little boy Finn looked right at home in his specially-tailored blue-and-green driving silks.
The other winners on a most exciting night’s racing were:
Arma The Gun (Brad Hewitt, from yet another well-known racing family), pulling out a big sprint to collar favourite Sams The Master in C2/C3 grade, for his seventh win in 10 starts. He’s possibly headed towards the Chariots of Fire, along with the runner-up.
Takara Truffle NZ (Guy Chapple for Aaron Goadsby), much too strong in a fillies/ mares sprint, slipping home in 56.3 seconds, and heading on an Oaks campaign in coming months, after wins at five of her six career starts.
Fouroeight (Mat Rue), surviving a very tough run to reach the death then roaring away over the closing stages of the final event, a C0 sprint (56.2 last half), to confirm his reputation as a serious racehorse. Another who’s likely to be given his chance in the Chariots.
Earlier in the night, HRNSW chairman Graham Kelly and steward Michael Zarb were on hand to present the first stable accreditation pass to be issued anywhere in Australia – allowing someone under 14 years of age access to the stables – to nine-year-old Jett Turnbull, son of trainer-driver Nathan. Jett had passed his exam with the stewards earlier in the day.
Perfect timing, you’d have to say, on a Family Night that Shirley Turnbull would be proud of.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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