There were smiles, celebrations, broken droughts and first-up wins during a memorable afternoon of maiden racing at Maryborough on Wednesday.
Over the course of six hours, the now-iconic Humbletonian Day delivered some magical moments for trainers, drivers, owners and breeders who shared in the cash splash.
Well over 100 horses, none of which had previously won a race, battled it out at the Carisbrook circuit, with 12 of those breaking through for a first career triumph.
Among the feel-good stories was the success of Amy Crossland’s new acquisition Bundy Wrangler, who broke through at career start three and after more than a year away from the races.
The four-year-old pacer was given a patient drive by James Herbertson, who peeled from the one-out, one-back position approaching the turn and finished too good for his rivals to score by just over 4m on the line.
The horse had to survive a protest lodged by the connections of runner-up Tex Goes Bang (John Hallam/Chris Alford), but stewards quickly dismissed the objection to declare Crossland’s charge the winner.
It was just the sixth success in the training career of 32-year-old Crossland, who is based in Lara.
The result was one of three wins on the marathon 12-race card for Herbertson, who also scored with Tony Berg-trained mare Sugoi Alto and Denis McIntyre’s two-year-old gelding Puzzle Piece.
The longest winning drought on the day was ended in the opening event on the card when Will Patrick greeted the judge at the 25th time of asking.
It was a special success for trainer Michael Mannix, who owns and bred the squaregaiting son of Fling It with family members Gail and Daniel.
While some standardbreds had been trying to break their maiden for years – such as Larry Lynch-trained 41-start veteran Starzz In Disguise – one horse did so at his first attempt.
Owner/breeder/trainer Leigh Graham was seen raising his arms in triumph as Sonokos Son scored a debut success in the HBV 3YO Vicbred Maiden Trot for brother/driver Ross.
The Used To Me gelding is out of Sonoko, which makes him a half-brother to Redwood Classic-winning youngster Son Of Sonoko.
Other winners during a fabulous afternoon of racing included Tooby Gold (Ron Sheppard/Tayla French), Sassiness (Keith Cotchin/John Caldow), Kia Ora Beauty (Ken Tippet), Im Alright Jack (James Warnock/Darby McGuigan), Walkabout Cascade (Greg Lewis/Brad Chisholm), Thunder Wing (Andy and Kate Gath) and Hautacam (Matthew Craven/Sofia Arvidsson).
Harness Breeders Victoria was behind Humbletonian Day and provided a $250 cash bonus to breeders of all winners. The Victorian Square Trotters Association, Maryborough Harness Racing Club and Harness Racing Victoria also handed out a range of bonuses and trophies in addition to the strong prizemoney and Vicbred boosts already attached to the races.
* pictures courtesy of Desiree Pettit-Keating