Driver Wayne Hill dedicated his win on Machtwister at Globe Derby Park to his good friend Brenton Buckley.
Buckley, 65, a longtime harness enthusiast passed away early in the week.
“I wore a black armband throughout the night for a great man,” Hill said.
“I have known Brenton all my life and he was involved in the industry as an owner, trainer, driver and track attendant. He was passionate about harness racing.
“He was also the father of one of my best mates Gary (Buckley).”
Machtwister ($6.60) led throughout in the Trotsguide.Com. Au Claiming Pace (2230m) to score by 10 metres from Dabeers Dragon ($8.40) with Trueative ($69.70) two metres away third.
Both the winner and third placegetter are trained by Chris Neilson.
Hill drove hard to lead on Machtwister from gate five.
“I thought Cromac Jamie in gate one might hold be able to hold out my horse but when I was able to nearly cross I decided to push on and got the lead which was always going to make him hard to beat,” Hill said.
“When Dani (Hill) came up on Cheap Tint ($2.50 fav) my horse fired up and rather than fight him I left him stride but he took a bit of driving to keep under control.
“He was still good enough to grab a break and went to the line strongly and he was never going to be beaten up the home straight.”
Neilson also said when Machtwister found the lead he had grown in confidence but then had been apprehensive when the horsed started to fire up.
“It was a good win and I also wasn’t surprised Trueative ran well,” Neilson said.
“He has had no luck lately and I told Leah (driver Leah Harvey) that he would be competitive.”
Vale Brenton Buckley
Former trainer and driver Brenton Buckley, father of Gary, passed away last Monday 29 February 2016. He was 65 years old.
Brenton held a licence since 1980 and was a trainer/driver in the Wayville days. He remained active in the industry.
His funeral is Tuesday at 12.30pm at Taylor & Forgie. 15 Cowan St, Gawler.
The South Australian harness racing industry extends its deepest sympathies to the Buckley family.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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