By David Aldred
Two-year-old Lethal Promise posted a fitting win on debut at Albion Park today.
In what was the ultimate salute to much loved and respected Queensland harness racing administrator, owner and breeder, Tony Price, who passed away on Sunday morning, winning driver Bart Cockburn raised his whip skyward at the finishing post after going gate to wire on the Art Major gelding in the Sports Today On 4BC Pace (1660m).
A former Albion Park Harness Racing Club committeeman, the late Tony Price was highly respected from the grass roots to the top echelon in our sport and was a champion owner/breeder of standardbreds. He was recognized by Racing Queensland for his services and contribution to harness racing over many years when inducted in the Queensland Harness Racing Hall Of Fame last year.
Tony’s daughter, award winning trainer Shannon Price harnessed up Lethal Promise and in a great front running drive Cockburn had his opposition covered all the way.
With $1.30 favourite Sweet As Candy (Gary Whittaker) tracking him all the way, Lethal Promise pulled clear in the straight to win by 6.5 metres in a 1.57.4 rate. Vic Frost’s Sweet As Candy held down second spot in advance of Gagney (Ken Belford) working home into the third spot just over nine metres from the winner.
A daughter of the Albert Albert mare All Promises, Lethal Promise is from the same family as two of the Price family’s Group 1 winners All Promises and Bettor Promise.
Family, together with friends and members of Queensland’s racing fraternity will farewell Tony on Monday 27 July 2015. Tony’s down to earth, uncompromising and successful style will be remembered at his funeral service to be held at Albion Park Raceway, commencing 11.30am.
The service will be open for the general public to attend. Those attending the funeral are welcome to wear a touch of red, the colours of the Price family racing silks, to the service on Monday morning.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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