Some of the bits and pieces that caught Tim O’Connor’s eye in the world of harness racing…
THE HERO…
GAVIN LANG
A man that will have a lasting impact on the sport for decades to come has rightfully been elevated to “Legend” status within the Victorian Harness Racing Hall of Fame.
The late and great Gavin Lang, who sadly passed in April 2020 after a battle with cancer, was the toast of the room at a special function at Melton Entertainment Park on Saturday night.
Lang joined fellow greats Gordon Rothacker, Bill McKay, Edgar Tatlow, George Gath, Ted Demmler, Vin Knight, Gammalite, Globe Derby, Scotch Notch, Popular Alm and Maori’s Idol as the 12th “Legend” of the Hall of Fame.
“Group 1 Gav” drove 6303 winners in one of the greatest careers Australasian harness racing had ever seen before his passing at age 61.
DID YOU SEE…
A SPECIAL WIN
It was an emotional afternoon for the friends and family of the late Jeff Gadsden who gathered at Charlton last Monday, but a special little horse by the name of To The Nines gave them reason to smile.
The three-year-old won impressively first-up from a spell, taking out the Welcome Probus Members Pace.
The horse was owned by Jeff, and is now raced by wife Jennifer and trained by son Michael.
Jeff prepared the son of Poster Boy for the first six victories of his career before his sad passing in August.
Michael’s week was capped off on Friday night at Melton when Hungry Hogarth scored in dominant fashion to provide the Charlton local with the 100th winner of his training career.
Well done, Mick. Keep kicking goals, mate.
Click here to watch the replay.
WHAT A RESULT…
GINGER’S GLORY
Ginger Gleeson broke a long drought when he greeted the winner’s circle in stunning fashion at Cranbourne on Sunday afternoon.
The 2019 Gordon Rothacker medalist had not won a race as a trainer or driver since March 24, 2021, but made a triumphant return when Nuclear Attitude claimed the Cranbourne Fencing Cash Splash Trot at $101 on the fixed odds.
The result was Nuclear Attitude’s second victory at start 46 and first since he broke his maiden at Geelong in January 2023!
Click here to watch the replay.
JACKPOTS…
Another $10,000 jackpot on the First 4 in race one is planned for Melton this Saturday, but things get much bigger on Victoria Cup night.
A $50,000 boost will be given to the Early Quaddie on the October 18 card, with a $100,000 injection to the main Quaddie pool.
ONE FOR THE BLACK BOOK…
LUVA SCRAP
Luva Scrap looks ready to win based off his last-start effort at Melton on September 27.
Julie Brimacombe’s gelding settled at the rear and circled the field in the last lap, charging home to grab the runner-up medal behind short-priced favourite New Shuffle who controlled things in front.
He produced a slick last half of 55.36 while covering plenty of ground off the pegs.
SOMETHING TO PONDER…
Some exciting news dropped last week with the announcement of Victoria’s very first harness slot event, the Running of the Bulls at Birchip.
And already there has been plenty of interest in the nine slots (race sponsor Cargill has the other) available for the first two editions of the race.
So, if you’re among those interested parties, how should you go about winning one?
This key question, which is part of the criteria a panel will use to determine slot holders, feels important: If you are successful in obtaining a slot, how will you market and promote?
Be clever, be bold and adventurous, and bring people along for the ride. We want this race to capture the attention of those within the harness racing industry and also those outside it.
Click here for more information on the Running of the Bulls.
Chances are you’re about to lose. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent policies of Harness Racing Victoria, which is the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.
