By Kyle Galley
Wintry conditions kept many spectators away from Monday’s Warragul trots meeting, but races were still keenly contested despite the chill.
Warragul’s new racing circuit passed its first wet day of racing since last year’s rebuild with flying colours – despite plenty of rain over the previous couple of days the surface was turned out in excellent condition.
In the second race, the KC Racing Trotters Handicap, Pearcedale horse Stoned Again lowered the track record for 2210 metres, taking one-and-a-half seconds off the previous mark set in December last year.
Stoned Again, for father-daughter combination Bill and Simone Walker, has moved to the lead in the Warragul Horse of the Year award with one race meeting remaining in the current racing season.
Rick Cashman, a past graduate of the Gippsland Harness Training Centre, won a race on the day with Danman.
At just its second race start, Danman led throughout – the horse will derive great benefit from the victory and should win more races.
Danman’s win was one of three on the afternoon for top reinsman Greg Sugars, who also won with first starter Ravello Rock in race one for Jayne Davies, and Almihata in the third event for Ahmed Taiba.
Ahmed himself collected two winners on the day, when Admiral Joy rattled home to win the final event when driven by junior reinsman Troy McDonald.
Jodi Quinlan produced a popular victory with Decorated Lady in race four, for a big syndicate of owners. Several of them were trackside, loudly cheering the horse every step of the way down the home straight.
Another popular win was that of Jean Baptiste in the seventh event for Melton trainer Lance Justice, and driver Jason Hackett.
Jean Baptiste is raced by a nine-member syndicate, and was well supported in betting.
Trotting returns to Warragul on Monday, August 17.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
