Young reinsman Jack Laugher has added another accolade to his emerging career.
The Victorian-based former Tasmanian claimed Horsham Harness Racing Club’s Decron Horse Care Noel Smith Memorial Invitation Drivers’ Championship in a star-studded line-up on Monday
He edged out Kerryn Manning by two points in the five-race series.
Laugher announced himself as one of Victoria’s most promising drivers last season when he had a career-best 195 wins – finishing third behind Chris Alford and James Herbertson in the state drivers’ premiership, and third to Kath Gath and Alford in the metropolitan title.
Horsham four-year-old mare Muckinbar Diva was the key to the 22-year-old’s success in the 32rd running of the invitation series, which brought together 10 of Victoria’s best drivers.
Laugher guided Muckinbar Diva to victory in the fourth race of the championship for Horsham owner-trainer Justin Lane.
Jodi Quinlan and Kerryn Manning each drove two winners in the championship.
Manning won on Matthew Craven-trained three-year-old Ranger Rick and Dont Need An Excuse for Naracoorte trainer Greg Scholefield.
Quinlan’s wins came with Telemachus for Ballarat trainer Nathan Cahir and the Clinton McSwain-trained Wendys Watching.
Ranger Rick is a half-brother to the outstanding Group 1 winner and Inter Dominion and Miracle Mile placegetter Alta Orlando, and was having his first Australian start for new owner, Horsham Harness Racing Club president Terry Lewis.
Final points standings: Jack Laugher 39, Kerryn Manning 37, Kate Gath 34, Jodi Quinlan 32, Zac Phillips 30, Anthony Butt 28, Leigh Sutton 27, Chris Alford 24, James Herbertson 19, Jason Lee 19.
Kate Gath rounded out a big day for Team Teal (five wins) by taking out the Group 2 $30,000 Speeding Spur @ Woodlands Trotters Cup (2700m) with Havehorsewilltravel.
The Andy Gath-trained six-year-old triumphed by a head after a stirring battle with The Penny Drops, coming off the back mark of 30m to prevail. Hatchback was third.
Pictures: Bianca Brehaut
