“I picked the Vale Greg Norman VicBred Maiden Pace because it looked ideal for the (three-year-old) Dallas Cowboy (American Ideal). I actually had it in mind for a few weeks and thought it would be fun to win it,” Sanderson said.
“We have a good opinion of the horse and I think he should have some more racing experience,” he said.
Before the former Queensland and NSW family moved to the picturesque Willowood Farm conditioning, rehabilitation and spelling complex in Murchison, near Shepparton, she was at the Charlton Harness Racing Training Centre.
It is a period that Sanderson looks back on with great pleasure.
“Greg was already at the training center as was Mick (Gadsden) and we all got our share of winners. We had some fun,” he said.
The club’s memorial race honored Group 1-winning rider Norman, who passed away late last month after a battle with cancer.
Norman, 61, was highly regarded throughout the industry, especially around Charlton, where his passion for harness racing was well known.
“He was tragic at harness racing. The sport was his life and he just loved it,” Sanderson said.
“He’s been in it for a long time and has had some really nice horses over the years. They were always well presented and that was a credit to him.”
Norman trained 577 winners during his career and also enjoyed success in the sulky. The club noted that he would be remembered for being the “first on the phone” celebrating a local Charlton victory. Those close to him fondly remember the stories and laughter shared over drinks at the Cricket Club Hotel.
The Sanderson family arrived in Charlton in March 2021.
“We stayed for three years, and Greg moved a few months before us. He went to Avenel where he trained for the Cormack boys, and we moved to Murchison,” Sanderson said.
Father and son completed their Charlton double when the well-bred filly Secrets Kept (Poster boy) landed the Community Bank Charlton and District Cup Day March 15 Pace.
After starting well from pole position, Ryan later decided to hand over the lead – a move that proved decisive. Secrets Kept stormed onto the sprint track during the final stages and scored in a smooth 1:57.7.
For full race results, click here.
Through Terry gang for Harnesslink
#Sandersons #enjoy #stomping #ground