What a night it was at Bray Raceway, Ballarat on Thursday, October 3 for Ararat co-owners Michael and Kath McGrath when their home-bred five-year-old Louey Louey Louey-Rani Rose gelding Wills Maverick scored in an eventful Springfest 4Y0 & Older Maiden Trot over 2200 metres.
Trained by 76-year-old Michael, Wills Maverick settled five back along the markers from gate four on the second line as Castles In The Sky began fast to lead from barrier two for Anne-Maree and Glenn Conroy. Raging hot $1.50 pole-line favourite Keayang Sadie went off stride and galloped wildly on the first turn, and Aldebaranspartacus (gate three) went into an uncontrollable gallop shortly after which continued for the entire race.
Coming away from the inside racing for the bell to gain one/one cover for the final circuit as Tara Tuff eased off the back of the leader, Wills Maverick received a lovely trail with No Remorse on his back.
Still at the head of affairs approaching the home turn after Prosperous galloped back through the field, Castles In The Sky was running a bold race with both Wills Maverick and No Remorse out wide in hot pursuit. In the end, it was Wills Maverick (Michael Bellman) prevailing by a head from No Response - who ran another placing yet again - with Castles In The Sky two metres away third after being inconvenienced most of the way by a galloping Alderbaranspartacus on her inside. The mile rate was 2:02.9.
It had been 10 years since the McGraths’ last winner, so the victory was very special.
Kath had been part of the Ararat Harness Racing Club committee for many years, entertaining owners, trainers and guests at the majority of their meetings.