By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk
The Blue September coffers received a significant boost on Thursday night with ambassador Mark Hurrell adding his first victories to the cause.
The Southland reinsman made the long trek up to Auckland on Thursday where he had four drives and saluted the judge on two occasions.
“I was hopeful they would go well, but to pick up two wins was pretty good, especially getting my first wins on the board for Blue September. It was good to raise a bit of money,” Hurrell said.
He struck immediately with the Michelle Wallis and Bernie Hackett-trained Aldebaran Flame In the Speeding Spur At Woodlands Tender Closes 20 Oct Handicap Trot (2200m).
The Trixton mare began well from the 15m mark and Hurrell was able to find the parked position with the four-year-old. She showed her tenacity to sit in the breeze throughout and power away to a two-length victory.
“I was stoked with her,” Hurrell said. “She won pretty easily really, especially off the back mark.
“She stepped really well, ended up facing the breeze most of the way, but trotted boldly and was just way too good for the rest of them.”
Hurrell’s second victory was a bit of a surprise, with Brookies Jaffa paying $25.10 to take out the Have A Drink At Our Land Is Alive – Cordis Mobile Pace (2200m).
“They went hard, he got a good run, and he came over the top of them. It was a good run,” Hurrell said.
Hurrell was thankful to his sponsors and said his wins netted a significant sum for the September campaign, which aims to raise money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
“It would be over $1400 raised tonight, so I am really happy about that,” Hurrell said.
Fellow Blue September ambassador Zachary Butcher also added to the kitty with his four wins, while Todd Mitchell also secured money for the cause with his win behind the Arna Donnelly-trained Taipo.
Hurrell has made an effort to head to Auckland throughout the season and he said he has been rewarded by local trainers, making the travel worthwhile.
“It was an early start this morning. Luckily they do a direct flight now from Invercargill to Auckland which is great and you are here in two hours,” he said.
“It has been good to get drives up here and most of the way through the year. Some good people have given me some good drives, I am pretty thankful.”
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