‘Riverina Form’ gets its payday in $100,000 decider

Cheers from the Riverina harness racing fraternity were loud when Roll With Joe gelding Defiant caused a massive boilover in tonight’s (May 28) $100,000 Regional Championships State Final at Menangle.

The pure elation could be seen on reinsman Peter McRae as he crossed the line first with the $31 chance in a moment that delivered the 25-year-old his first Group 1 winner.

This victory also gave Junee trainer Trevor White his first Group 1 win, made even sweeter by the fact he owns and bred Defiant.

“That’s why we get up early, work hard and have late nights for, it’s great,” said McRae as he returned to scale.

“To tick over a Group 1 is a dream for anyone and to do it with Trevor makes it even more special.”

After finishing second in the Regional Championships Riverina Final to Rocknroll Runa last week, Defiant was one of the outsiders in the market despite drawing barrier one in tonight’s clash.

With the shortest trip home, McRae positioned Defiant behind the leader and race fancy Rocknroll Runa.

The speed throughout the 2300m feature was kept honest.

Following a lead time of 50.9 seconds, moves were made with Hunter Final winner Far Out Bro working outside the leader and Metropolitan Final winner Lets Get Rockin making a mid-race move to retain the one-one trail.

The quarters were 29.4, 29.1, 27.8 and 28.2 seconds and Defiant gained a clear passage at the top of the home straight.

In a gruelling run to the finish Defiant held off his rivals to win by a head with Lets Get Rockin in second and Western Final winner Lyrical Genius in third.

The mile rate was 1:55.7.

DEFIANT REPLAY

“Half way down the straight I knew we could win, this bloke just keeps coming,” said McRae.

“The race was run to suit him and we had a bit of luck.”

Defiant extended his record to seven wins and 12 placings in 23 starts.

As for McRae that was his 196th success in the sulky and White’s 653rd training win. They are both based in New South Wale’s Riverina region that has a strong harness racing following.

For complete Menangle Saturday race results, click here.

by Amanda Rando, for Harnesslink