Some of the bits and pieces that caught Tim O'Connor's eye in the world of harness racing...
THE HERO…
PAT DRISCOLL
The final chapter in Just Believe’s amazing life began this week when he was retired to Living Legends in Greenvale.
The reigning Victorian Horse of the Year and country’s richest ever trotter was dropped off at the facility on Monday and then officially welcomed with a small function on Thursday.
And it’s largely thanks to a significant financial contribution from his owner-breeder, Pat Driscoll.
Driscoll leased Just Believe to an ownership group throughout his career, with the Iona Trotter Syndicate enjoying the ride of one of harness racing’s great journeys.
In the end, Just Believe retired with 38 wins, 10 Group 1s and more than $1.9 million in the bank.
After his retirement earlier this year, Driscoll had surgery conducted on the horse’s legs and, in conjunction with Harness Racing Victoria, helped secure him a spot at Living Legends.
Bravo, Pat. What a wonderful way to honour a champion.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR…
ANNABELLE ON THE BIG STAGE!
Good luck and best wishes to our Victorian hope in the Mini Trots Inter Dominion Championship at Albion Park.
Annabelle Stanley, the daughter of top trainer-driver Michael, will partner What A Rose in the ponies’ division of the series this Saturday night.
The pair will start from a distance of 830m, with the race set to go at 5.35pm.
FROM THE RACING OFFICE...
Not long now until the annual all-trotting meeting at Bendigo, which pays tribute to the lifelong contributions of legendary harness racing figures Graeme and Gavin Lang.
The Graeme Lang 2YO Trotting Mile, Gavin Lang 2YO Trotting Mile (both $20,000), Scotch Notch 3YO Trotting Mile and Wagon Apollo 3YO Trotting Mile (both $10,000) are the headline races on the August 6 card.
Click here for the full meeting information.
JACKPOT CASH…
A bumper First 4 pool is expected on the opening race at Melton this Saturday night.
The TAB has committed to a $10,000 jackpot and is tipping a $50,000 pot.
ONE FOR THE BLACK BOOK…
CEE CEE LOU
The David Harris-trained gelding put in a huge effort for second at Bendigo on Wednesday night and looks one to consider when he next appears at the races.
Cee Cee Lou was held out for the front by Hez Harrywho and forced to sit parked before surging to the front around the corner.
He all but denied Mister Jimaringle off his back, but faded in the shadows of the post to be beaten in a photo.
He’s drawn the pole in race two at Bendigo next Wednesday and looks tough to beat!
SOMETHING TO PONDER…
If you've been contemplating a trip to Living Legends in Greenvale, I'd seriously urge you to make it a reality.
Just Believe this week joined Sundons Gift as the second standardbred at the international horse retirement facility, which is also home to more than 30 stars of the turf.
If you love your horses and your racing, then you’ll get real fulfilment out of a visit to the stunning property, which is located just 20km or so from the Melbourne CBD.
Grab a coffee and something to eat from the café inside an incredible old homestead and go for a peaceful stroll around the venue.
Trust me, it won’t disappoint.
For more information, visit the Living Legends website here.
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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.