19 October 2017 | Graham Fischer
Retro Night, harness racing’s return to Wayville is ‘all systems go’ following a set of trials around the showgrounds track on Wednesday night.
Chairman of stewards Mr Ross Neal gave the all clear for a return to Wayville after watching five trials.
“It was important to have a dress rehearsal,” Mr Neal said.
“We were able to go through and see what we have to fine tune for Friday night’s meeting on October 27.
“We needed to see if the track was ready for a meeting and to obtain feedback from the drivers and they were glowing in their praise.”
Mr Neal said the important fact to be considered was that the 510-metre track had not been designed to have horses trying to run a mile rate of 2:00.0 or faster.
“It was good to see the horses handle the track with a minimum of issues and now we look forward to a marvellous night of harness racing on Friday week.”
Top trainer-driver Ryan Hryhorec said Retro Night would be “magic”.
“I certainly noticed the different from the run-arounds last week,” Hryhorec said.
“With the work done grading and preparing the track, tonight’s trials were very good.
“Yes, the track is tighter than what we normally run on, but I was very happy with the way my horses went around tonight.”
Top reinswoman Danielle Hill made an interesting point.
“It was a good experience in the early trials but I really noticed a difference when I drove Strike On Command for Lance Holberton in the final trial,” Hill said.
“He’s been around Wayville quite a few times having had experience during the Royal Show, and he handled the track perfectly. It was a real buzz driving him.”
Hill said she was excited about taking part in Retro Night and was looking forward to driving in front of a big crowd.
Her brother Wayne, the current Australian Driving Champion, said he used the trials as a learning process.
“There is no doubt it (Retro Night) will be a fabulous night,” Hill said.
“Tonight, it was good to have a few drives and adapt to each horse’s traits.
“Having races over three or four laps will ensure races become a battle of tactics.”
Tickets for Retro Night, harness racing’s return to Wayville are available from Ticketek.
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