Reigning Australian Driver of the Year Shane Graham is again setting the pace.
The Queensland based reinsman became the first to reach triple figures for the 2015/16 season after steering home Joseph H at Albion Park yesterday (Tuesday) in the Lunchbox Lodge Spelling Farm Trotters Handicap.
It also marks his 12th century season with the last 10 all in a row.
Graham, 33, currently leads the National premiership from champion Victorian horseman Chris Alford who has driven 92 winners to date while fellow Queenslander Pete McMullen sits third with 80 winners.
“It’s been another hectic season and the century caught me by surprise a little bit but it’s nice to bring up three figures again. Here’s hoping I can get another 100 wins before the end of the season.” Graham said.
The frequent flyer points have continued to climb after making numerous trips to Perth in recent months where he has competed regularly at Gloucester Park.
Graham partnered free-legged pacer Avonnova during last month’s Inter Dominion series which resulted in a 4th placing in the $1.3 million Grand Final won by Victorian star Lennytheshark.
In recent weeks, Graham jetted across the country to partner the Gary Hall trained Run Oneover in the Fremantle and WA Pacing Cups, both Group 1 events.
Last season was clearly his busiest and finished the season with 259 winners, edging out Greg Sugars who finished with 254.
It was the first time that Graham has registered a double century.
“That’s the aim for the rest of the season now, I’m hoping to reach 200 again and I think that’s a realistic goal. The fact that I don’t see myself travelling as much given that Ian (Gurney – trainer) is returning home gives me a great chance of consistency at both Albion Park and Redcliffe.
“Competing during the Inter Dominion series was great and Nova running 4th in the final has clearly been the highlight so far this season, let’s hope we can land a few majors during the winter carnival later this year.”
Graham has several bookings for the rest of the week at both Albion Park and Redcliffe.
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