By Adam Hamilton
PART-OWNER Martin Risely called it “the stuff dreams are made of.”
Driver Chris Alford rated it alongside any of the greatest and most treasured moments of his stellar career.
And it was because Lenny did, what Lenny does … dug deep into enormous vault of courage and determination of his to win one of the truly great Miracle Miles.
Maybe it was David Aiken who best found the words to some it up: “It’s not who he wins, it’s the horses he beats.”
And on Saturday night Lenny beat the very best and did it by sitting parked throughout in a 1min49.2sec mile.
At a time in the sport when the young bucks have been dominating, two mighty old warriors – Lennytheshark and Smolda – fought-out the finish of the 50th Miracle Mile.
And, fittingly, Lennytheshark’s nose win over Smolda levelled there head-to-head count at 3-3.
As hard as Smolda tried down the long Menangle straight, Lennytheshark kept finding more.
“He at least drew level, maybe headed and I thought he had me, but Lenny just put that big head of his out and found a way,” Alford said.
“I’ve tried so many times to win a Miracle Mile on some great horses, but it means so much to win my first with Lenny. I ranks right up there alongside the Golden Reign Inter Dominion (1995 Christchurch) and Mont Denver Gold’s Hunter Cup for me.
“I just feel like Lenny’s never got the credit he deserves, but this changes everything.
“He beat all the big guns tonight and did it the hard way. They all had their chances, but they couldn’t get past him.”
Smolda’s driver Anthony Butt, who graciously leant across and shook Alford’s hand straight after the winning post, praised Lennytheshark’s win.
“There’s no doubt I at least drew level with him, but Lenny just kept finding. Smolda’s run was enormous too. They are two great old horses,” he said.
A clearly emotional Aiken talked of the maintenance required to keep Lennytheshark racing after battling leg injuries for much of his career.
“It’s a lot of work and so many people play their role, but when you’ve got a horse as good as him it’s worth it. It makes moments like these even more special,” he said.
“It’s been a battle at times to hold him together and we know his foot blew up in Perth, but to come back as well as he has from another setback is the mark of what a great horse he is.
“He’s had some great wins before this, but to come out and beat this field in a Miracle Mile, after going so close last year, means so much.”
Lennytheshark was left parked after stablemate Hectorjayjay scorched across the field from the outside draw to lead in a 24.8sec opening quarter – the fastest opening split in Menangle history.
Smolda worked hard to try and hold-out Hectorjayjay before trailing him, while Mark Purdon weaved some magic on Lazarus to land the one-one trail.
The steadied for a 30.3sec second split then ran home in 28.2 and 25.9sec.
Smolda’s run to finish so strongly after being part of the early burn was yet another stellar performance in a mighty season.
Lazarus would’ve had to smash the clock to win given the 25.9sec last quarter, but he still looked a shade disappointing by his lofty standards in third spot – 2.2m from the winner.
While Lazarus didn’t really make any ground on Lennytheshark, stablemate Our Waikiki Beach trailed Lazarus and almost beat him home.
Hectorjayjay’s early burn took its toll and he was spent on the home turn, but, to his credit, he battled away bravely for fifth spot just 10.3m from the winner.
Bling It On raced a bit flat in sixth spot and will go for a spell.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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