This penalty-free event is unique in that it is the only known harness racing event in Australia that is held annually and is limited to Indigenous drivers.
Riverina pacer Catchafire (Bettors Delight), piloted by Courtney Sutherland, was sent favorite ahead of the Jason Grimson-trained Ima Boxer and piloted by Jeremy Quinlan.
CATCHAFIRE DEC 20 REPEAT
Itzmineontheline, piloted by Jai Meikle, moved into the lead, while Catchafire took a course and Ima Boxer had to race outside the leader.
Ima Boxer tackled Itzmineontheline seriously in the final corner, but instead Sutherland went for an inside run and opted to run three wide in the final corner. Ima Boxer took the lead, but Catchafire finished too strong to win by two meters against an Ima Boxer match with Itzmineontheline in a close third place.
The winner rated 1.51.2 over the mile journey.
Courtney Sutherland expressed her emotions after winning the event.
I feel ecstatic, I feel emotional, I feel like a wreck, but I’m so happy to be here. Privileged to be here.
It has been a very difficult year, with a few setbacks and a few journeys that we have endured. Everything has been worked out. Today was meant to be. I felt like saluting, but I didn’t want to get into trouble. My whole family was over the moon for me. I had my family here tonight. It was really special for me.
Catchafire has proven to be a good performer for trainer Jackson Painting. The New Zealand gelding has shown to be versatile over a range of distances and has a strong sprint when held up for a late sprint.
By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink
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