Some of the bits and pieces that caught Tim O’Connor’s eye in the world of harness racing…
THE HERO…
D’ARNE BELLMAN
Well done to pioneering horsewoman D’Arne Bellman for her long-awaited training triumph on Monday at Maryborough.
The 70-year-old celebrated her first success in more than 5600 days when Zoolu was able to score in the AB Paint Graduation Series 3YO Trot for driver Kerryn Manning.
It was Bellman’s first winner since her son Michael drove home Buffalo Magic to victory at Ballarat on December 9, 2010.
Bravo, D’Arne!
Click here to watch the replay and here to watch husband Neville chat about the success.
MILESTONE MOMENT…
TORI’S 50th!
Great to see young Tori Hutchins bring up her 50th career training winner at Mildura last Friday.
Hutchins’ partner Luke Dunne piloted Don Crunch to victory to bring up the milestone early in the afternoon before making it a double when Connor Clarke and Ears The Boss won the final event on the card.
GROUP 1 RACING…
BALLERINI’S BIG CHANCE
For all she’s achieved in an exceptional career so far, Jilliby Ballerini is yet to taste Group 1 glory.
That might be set to change on Saturday night when she contests the elite-level Sumthingaboutmaori Trot as a short-priced favourite from barrier six.
Jilliby Ballerini has run five Group 1 placings and all of those have been behind star stablemate Keayang Zahara.
With her not there on Saturday, this is her big chance.
MILLION-DOLLAR BOY…
BULLET CRACKS SEVEN FIGURES
While last Friday’s The Nullarbor didn’t go to plan, Bulletproof Boy still managed to achieve a career milestone.
The much-loved 11-year-old pacer passed $1million in prizemoney at start 231 and gets another chance for feature success in Western Australia tonight when he lines up in the Group 1 Fremantle Cup at Gloucester Park.
He has drawn barrier 11 for the $300,000 event with James Herbertson in the bike.
The race is set for 9.21pm AEST.
ONE FOR THE BLACK BOOK…
FIVE CENT
Reckon there’s a maiden win in Peter Manning’s Five Cent soon.
He finished second despite a torrid trip at Maryborough on Monday and then finished fifth from a sticky inside draw in a race the on-pace horses dominated on Thursday at Ballarat.
I don’t think victory will be too far away.
LEST WE FORGET…
ANZAC DAY AT MELTON
Drivers of all number one horses will wear special ANZAC Day silks at Melton on Saturday night.
The winning post will carry “Lest We Forget” LED signage throughout the eight-race card and a ceremony will take place during the evening.
Please consider a donation to the ANZAC Appeal by visiting anzacappeal.com.au.
REMEMBERING GREG…
12 MONTHS ON
Sunday, April 26 marks one year since the devastating passing of champion reinsman Greg Sugars.
Sugars was widely regarded as one of Australia’s greatest drivers after a 25-year career that boasted more than 4000 wins, including 70 at Group 1 level.
This week, it was announced that the Greg Sugars Medal will be awarded to the leading driver across the feature races of the Summer of Glory carnival in Victoria, starting in 2027.
Sugars’ wife Jess Tubbs this week sat down with Adam Hamilton for a special interview where she opened up on life after Greg. Click here to watch the chat and here to read more about the Greg Sugars Medal.
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The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent policies of Harness Racing Victoria, which is the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.
