By Mike Love
A driving double at Ashburton yesterday helped Canterbury-based reinsman Craig Thornley go past 750 career wins.
His first success was with the Steven McRae-trained Little Biddy in the A Team Construction Mobile Pace.
“It’s good to get there,” said Thornley, of his 750th win.
“Little Biddy had been working really well going in. We had a good draw and got a good run. She has some speed as well so that helped.”
Thornley and Little Biddy settled three back the markers from their number one barrier draw over the 1700m. From there it was an average pace that set up for a dash home. Little Biddy and Thornley were able to use the passing lane to scoot through and win, the final quarter in 26.8 – “it was a good result”.
Thornley’s day was not over yet as he linked up with the Ben Waldron trained Penny Weight to record his second win on the card in the Thanks For Your Service Alan Neumann Mobile Pace.
“It went good a couple of starts back when it got third. We got a good run and got into the right place at the right time.”
Penny Weight followed through from her second line draw to settle three back in the running line. Thornley was able to excavate into the three wide one back position after Sports Babe was left posted. Penny Weight and Thornley swept to the lead at the top of the straight to run away and win by three and a quarter lengths.
“She was always travelling well and actually won easily. Ben Waldron is a very good trainer.”
Thornley recorded his first driving success in 1991 as a junior driver on a horse called Sophia Patrice at Addington raceway for trainer Sally Marks. Although that is not forgotten, Thornley recalls his most memorable success of his career being with Play On winning the 2005 Interdominion Trotters Grand Final at Alexandra Park.
“I’ve been lucky with some of the horses I’ve driven, but probably Play On’s win in the Interdominion Grand Final. It was a stella field that night. We drew one and everything worked out well!”
“For now I’ll just keep ticking along looking for the next good horse.”
Thornley works at Spreydon Lodge and has now driven 751 winners with stakes totalling over $8 million.
Other highlights on the card included an impressive victory by maiden trotter Cyclone Zion W who is trained and driven by Bob Butt, a treble for driver John Dunn (Allets, Courtney Rose and Take The Deal) and a double for trainer Ross Houghton (Courtney Rose and Take The Deal).
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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