Ryan Sanderson completed a great weekend in the sulky when Western Sonador took out Sunday's Travla Gunbower Pacing Cup.
Sanderson won an Inter Dominion heat on Saturday night aboard Dangerous and then teamed up with trainer Stephen O’Donoghue and their talented gelding, who produced an outstanding first-up performance in the $12,000 country feature.
Despite it being his first start since April, the eight-year-old showed no signs of fatigue and powered through the final stages with a dazzling sprint down the home straight to secure victory.
“I got a fair way back early, but he really accelerated and hit the line strong. I wasn’t expecting to get that far back and credit to the horse – he did it easy and made me look good,” Sanderson said.
“They always do a great job the O’Donoghues. I am very lucky they put me on and to get this opportunity. It’s been a bit of fun and I’m very grateful.”
Earlier in the day, the Tristan Larsen-driven and Brent Lilley-trained Maestro claimed the Cohuna Car Sales / Bill Poxon Memorial Gunbower Trotters Cup.
The 2630m race saw Maestro lead and hold off the competition to claim top honours.
Gunbower's cup day was a big success, drawing a great crowd and atmosphere. Winners of every race took home a six-pack of Travla beer, and Santa made a special appearance on a standardbred-drawn sleigh. The meeting also had food and drink trucks, a boot-throwing competition and fun activities for kids.
In addition to the on-track action, every starter on the day received an entry into a raffle for a free service to top stallions The Storm Inside (donated by Alabar Farms) and Skyvalley (courtesy of Aldebaran Park).
Gunbower president Grant Lunghusen extended his thanks to all the trainers, drivers and owners who nominated horses and for making the day a great success.