Land racing is always at its best on Cup nights and Swan Hill Harness Racing Club is right there with it. The picturesque circuit is on the inside of the canter track and Swan Hill is a well-known tourist destination on the Murray River.
Sharing the complex with the gallopers has its advantages: there are modern facilities with spacious lawns for the viewing public.
The club was formed ten years ago when the nearby Nyah club closed and racing moved to Swan Hill.
Club chairman Noel Watson presents a positive and optimistic assessment of harness racing in the area. The club has six meetings a year and sometimes collects an extra card.
He explained: “If you look at the positioning, we are in the top eight in terms of field turnover per race. And we always have at least seven races.”
“We are working closely with Harness Racing Victoria to create a program that suits us. We are two hours away from Bendigo and of course we are traveling from Mildura where a large number of pacers are working.”
“Our circuit is located there with kilometer rates including Melton. On the sand surface of 1000 meters it is not unusual to regularly charge kilometer rates of 1.54 to 1.55.”
“We raise funds such as the stallion tender and have extracurricular activities.”
In a first for any club, Swan Hill is providing $50 fuel vouchers for trainers for every horse starting four of their six meetings.
Watson added: “We host a free BBQ at every meeting for all participants. Another feature we have organized over the years is the Blue Pearl meeting which is specifically for female drivers.”
Watson believes the Friday evening planning for their Cup meeting is successful. And those numbers are stacking up well for cup night. The club has applied to the TAB for a guaranteed jackpot amount and this applies to the cup meeting worth $50,000.
Watson, a well-known local identity, has called football the last 25 years. And they work closely with the hard sports club sponsor 3SH Swan Hill.
As with regular country clubs, Swan Hill has a dedicated group of enthusiastic volunteers. And it is their generous spirit and effort that helps the club organize an entertaining gathering for the general public when they show up.
On the big night, the $15,000 3SH Pacing Cup was won in style by the easy-flown three-year-old Tuivasa (American Ideal), who led the way to win the classic at 2240 metres. An easing favorite Tuivasa was caught slightly wide early before tackling Hes No Romeo, who was making his first run since arriving from New Zealand.
TUIVASA OCTOBER 31 REPEAT
Driver Mark Pitt managed to keep the field stable and because no other runner tackled him, he was able to set his own pace. Curyo Gentleman pulled it three wide on the back straight, daring him to get close to the leader as Hes No Romeo looked for the sprint track.
Shocked as she was, Tuivasa ran her final 400 meters in a fast 26.9 seconds and easily accounted for Miki Sing who flashed home along the rails ahead of Curyo Gentleman who fought well for third place.
Pitt seemed optimistic about Tuivasa’s future.
“He has only raced lightly and the more races he does, he will become a better horse for the future.”
“Clayton and Emma have done a great job with him, this guy has some little quirks, you have to go with him. He’s a little green, he dives in, he dives out, he can do a funny move every now and then. The more you go with him, the better he is. But I actually think he’s better when he’s outside of me so he can concentrate better.”
“He is a beautiful animal. Clayton and Emma’s horses look so good even in winter.”
“I rode him tonight as the best horse and he was.”
Interview courtesy of Campbell’s Comments
The $12,000 Yabby Dams Trotters Cup turned into an intriguing battle between Brent Lilley-trained stablemates El Conqueror (Sebastian K) and Maestro.
THE CONQUEROR OCTOBER 31 REPEAT
El Conqueror, piloted by Tristan Larsen, was making his first start since arriving from New Zealand, where he had raced 64 times and won the Reefton Cup.
The lead changed several times before El Conqueror held off Maestro, who took the track behind the leader. Georgy Girl issued a challenge in the straight but El Conqueror held on to beat Maestro, who gained an inside run to put Tiktok in third.
By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink
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