Some of the bits and pieces that caught Tim O’Connor’s eye in the world of harness racing…
THE HERO…
MICHAEL BELLMAN
The Victoria Trotters Derby Final on November 2 was right up there with the most enjoyable, memorable and special victories I’ve ever witnessed on a racetrack.
Michael Bellman had toiled for almost three decades chasing an elusive Group 1, and finally got it with Mecarno in the time-honoured feature at Maryborough.
Bellman raised his whip in triumph as he crossed the line, securing a coveted elite-level success that had eluded him throughout a career boasting more than 2000 winners as a driver.
Making the result even more special was the fact that Bellman prepared the horse as trainer for another Group 1 first.
Well done, Mick. Here’s to many more.
HOW GOOD WAS…
JIMMY’S CUP JOY
Great to see James Rayner celebrating an incredible Melbourne Cup victory as strapper of Half Yours on Tuesday last week.
Rayner is a well-known face in harness circles, having worked for Emma Stewart who he drove two winners for during 2017.
You can read the full story here.
POP THIS IN THE DIARY…
VICBRED SERIES
The Vicbred Super Series rolls on this week, with heats for four-year-old pacers taking place at Bendigo on Wednesday night and for four-year-old trotters at Kilmore on Thursday.
The two and three-year-old squaregaiters then step out at Melton on Friday night before semi-finals for the pacing equivalents at the same track on Saturday night.
Check out the fields here:
DON’T FORGET…
BIRCHIP SLOT RACE
The application period for slot positions in the Running of the Bulls race at Birchip in 2026 and 2027 closes this Friday.
For more information about the race and to lodge your submission, visit the event landing page here.
GREAT TO SEE…
SATURDAY NIGHT DEBUTS
I’ve loved seeing a couple of up-and-coming young talents have their first Saturday night race drives at Melton in recent weeks.
Hannah Lewis, 21, has now twice teamed up with her old mate Crime Writer at Victorian harness racing headquarters, while 22-year-old Rory Coverdale went agonisingly close to a fairy tale result with her maiden Saturday night steer when Gunforhire was beaten in a photo finish by Hugo Rocks last weekend.
JACKPOTS…
FIRST 4 BOOSTS
Races one, two, three and four on Saturday night at Melton will carry $2000 jackpots.
The TAB is tipping pools of $20,000 for each event.
Click here for the full meeting fields.
ONE FOR THE BLACK BOOK…
LE CARDINAL
I reckon there’s a bright future ahead for one of Mattie Craven’s juveniles from what I’ve seen in his first two starts at the races.
Le Cardinal was sensational when rattling home from the back of the field for second on debut and hit the line strongly for third after being shuffled back in his Vicbred heat at Bendigo last Wednesday.
From the pole draw on Saturday night, he looks a great winning chance.
SOMETHING TO PONDER…
In a new age of wagering where on-track tote facilities are scarce, we as an industry need to ensure that a lifeblood of the sport remains front of mind.
And, of course, that’s the punters.
Helping our fans have a bet through things like well-advertised free wifi, easy access to racebooks and form and collaboration with local bookmakers must be one of the highest priorities for clubs right around the state.
I reckon we can all strive to do more in this space.
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.
