Tasmanian Harness Highlights – 27 April

The 2022 Awards night was held on Friday, where not only the stand-out performers were acknowledged for their achievements, but several were also recognised for their contribution to the Tasmanian harness racing scene over many decades; a complete list of winners is available here.

A 10-race card in Hobart last Sunday was the sole meeting of the weekend, with half the card dedicated to heats of the Cavalor Claiming Novice Drivers Series, which saw a dead heat for the third time in the history of the series.

This weekend we return to two meetings with Hobart on Friday evening and Launceston on Sunday in the twilight zone.

The Stars

Jacob Duggan and Malcom Jones – dead-heated in the 2023 Cavalor Claiming Novice Drivers series, which saw a five heat series held in Hobart on Sunday. The series came down to the last heat, which saw Jones guide Kick It To Jack to victory, with Duggan’s drive Gordievsky Leis finish second.

Max Wadley – has owned many horses to victory during his harness racing involvement, but on Sunday, the 76-year-old trained his first winner at his 32nd start, with Grizzly Montana at odds of $101.

Jakob White – also recorded his first win when driving Turquoise Stride to win in the first heat of the Claiming Novice Drivers Series.

Jimmy The Irishman – is now two from two in the state after blitzing his rivals in the Brighton Cup.

Brian Mackrill – was recognised for his contribution to the local harness racing scene when awarded the 23rd Edgar Tatlow Medal at the Awards night in Launceston on Friday evening.

Feats of the meet

Hobart, 23 April
Ben Yole – four training wins,
Todd Rattray – two training wins,
Brodie Davis – two driving wins,
Nathan Ford – two driving wins.

Calculated Sectional Standouts

Hobart, 23 April
Beast Mode 56.35s, Aha Reaction 56.45s, Sports Illustrator 56.59, Seal the Destiny 56.69s and Will He Pike 56.70s.

Tasracing Official Price

Hobart, 23 April
Hits: Magician $3.40 into $2.70, Nyack $2.00 into $1.65, Beast Mode $13 into $8.00, Kick It To Jack $6.00 into $5.50, Gigi I Got This $4.80 into $4.20, Aha Reaction $6.00 into $5.00
Defied The Drift: Turquoise Stride $5.00 out to $8.50, Grizzly Montana $81 out to $101 and Proficient $14 out to $21.
Missed: Remember Me Now $5.00 into $3.20, Debt Till We Part $6.00 into $4.40, Lalasa $4.20 into $2.50, Stormy Sanz $4.80 into $3.40, Spot On $19 into $9.50 and Lorimer Lady $8.00 into $4.60.

Week Ahead

Friday: Harness racing in Hobart, with seven races from 18:05.

Saturday: Trials at Carrick Park from 9:00.

At Melton, there is plenty of Tasmanian interest, including; Kosimo and Max Delight who will line up in race 5, Fynn Frost in race 6 and Montana Storm in race 7.

Sunday: Launceston hosts a nine-race card from 17:08.

Also, Ignatius will contest the 11th race at the Meadowlands in New Jersey on Sunday morning (E.S.T).