Popular Maryborough trainer Bill White, 92, and son Ian landed a memorable upset on Monday when Modern Hope saluted at odds of $81.90 in the Worlds Best Hoof Oil Trotters Mobile.
Driven by Ian, the daughter of Pastor Stephen and Modern Pegasus began from the extreme draw but gained a great run through the field before being left exposed.
Favourite Betsy Anne (gate five) began quickly to lead before being eased to take a trail entering the home straight for the first time.
Driven with extreme confidence, Modern Hope defied all challengers to score by 2.4 metres in a mile rate of 2:03.9.
Betsy Anne, who had her chance along the sprint lane, finished second, while Touchango (gate four), driven by Bill’s granddaughter and Ian’s daughter Lauren, finished third, 4.9 metres away. Touchango raced one out and two back before moving four wide on the final bend.
It was a race the family will never forget.
Modern Hope is raced by Ian’s wife Sue in partnership with South Australian-based Sharon Holberton, the daughter of Don Lee, who has also been a prominent South Australian trainer and driver for many years. Both families would have taken enormous pleasure from the result.
Ian said Modern Hope had proved a challenge since being broken in, but Monday’s victory was her second from 25 starts, following her maiden win at Charlton in July 2025.
Bill White has been involved in harness racing for decades and will be remembered by many for his association with smart performers Mystic Robert and Shep during the 1960s.
