Some of the bits and pieces that caught Tim O’Connor’s eye in the world of harness racing…
THE HERO…
RYAN SANDERSON
It has been a special period for the young gun reinsman, who collected his first Group 1 victory and 500th career success in the space of a few days recently.
Sanderson teamed up with the Emma Stewart-trained Fox Dan to win a great edition of the Victoria Derby on October 18 and then racked up his 500th success in the sulky with Captain Molly, who was victorious at Shepparton for father and trainer, Shane.
It has been a remarkable start to a harness racing career for Sanderson, who has achieved so much since having his first drive back in July of 2019.
Here’s to many more highs, Ryan!
PAT ON THE BACK…
LUKE DUNNE
A short time after Ryan Sanderson collected win 500 in the sulky, fellow young driver Luke Dunne chalked up his 200th career triumph.
The 20-year-old reached the milestone at Swan Hill on October 17 with Angel Of Anger, who he trains in partnership with girlfriend Tori Hutchins at Charlton.
Keep up the good work, Dunney!
GREAT TO SEE…
MICK BACK AT THE TRACK!
It might not have been the fairy tale result he was after, but it was sensational to see Michael Hughes at the races with a runner on Sunday at Maryborough.
The 51-year-old trained the champion Just Believe through the early part of his career before stepping away from the sport in 2022.
He returned on the weekend as trainer of Thats My Cardigan, who made his debut in the Yabby Dam Farms Vicbred Voucher 3YO Maiden Trot. Well fancied in the market, he galloped approaching the turn and finished last.
Hughes has trained 389 winners – including five at Group 1 level – in a career that started back in season 1995-96.
MARK THIS IN THE DIARY…
REDWOOD DAY
One of the great afternoons on the harness racing calendar arrives this Sunday.
The annual Redwood Classic meeting is a feast for lovers of the squaregaiter, and will no doubt bring a big crowd to the track at Maryborough.
Fields for the meeting will be revealed on Wednesday, with the Redwood Classic and Victoria Trotters Derby Final the two Group 1s on the card.
JACKPOTS…
A BIG POOL AT SWAN HILL
The jackpot money this week heads to Swan Hill for Friday night’s Swan Hill Pacing Cup.
The TAB is projecting a $50,000 First 4 pool thanks to a $10,000 boost on the feature of the card.
ONE FOR THE BLACK BOOK
GOTFEELINGSYOUKNOW
Trainer-driver Chris Svanosio has always had a good opinion of this bloke, and despite some gait issues in recent months, he looks back to his best and ready to win based on recent form.
His run behind Imperial Command on Saturday night was sensational, with the Majestic Son gelding held up three back the fence before surging late to cut the margin to a half-neck on the line.
He appears right in the zone, so he’s one worth following into the future.
SOMETHING TO PONDER
So many great memories came flooding back during a special weekend at Moonee Valley.
I soaked in the atmosphere during radio commitments on Friday night and then let my hair down with a few drinks on Saturday for the final Cox Plate meeting at the Valley’s current configuration.
There was an undeniable sense of sadness that set in as the afternoon wore on, but it was an incredible experience to be there for the racing and then walk the track when patrons were let loose after the final event.
My only regret is that, of all the amazing times I’ve had at the Valley, there’s no memories of being there for the trots.
It’s with envy that I hear tales of yester-year when thousands would pack the stands to cheer on their standardbred heroes, most notably when Shakamaker launched late to win the 2000 Inter Dominion Grand Final for John Justice. It’s a moment I hear even the vaguest of harness racing fans recall so fondly, and one I wish I was able to enjoy.
What a wonderful place Moonee Valley was for Victorian harness racing from the 1970s to February 6, 2010 when Strident won the final race there for the late Gavin Lang and Jenny Johnson.
So, in a time of reflection, what’s your favourite memory from the trots at this legendary venue?
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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.
