Cup win for McRae and Franco Norton

In today’s Mataura Licensing Trust Gore Pacing Cup former Southland harness racing trainer Steven McRae returned home to take out his second Cup with Franco Norton (A Rocknroll Dance). The gelding was driven by Craig Thornley.

McRae with Thornley won the Gore Cup when it was run on the all weather track in 2011 with Cracker Black (Courage Under Fire). McRae’s father Ken also bred and raced Jimmy Johnstone (P Forty Seven) which won the race in 2012. He was trained by John Hay.

In todays feature pace Franco Norton was slow away and broke for a few strides.

“He just got a fright when the tape hit the outside fence. Once he got away and got into his rhythm he relaxed. The small field today helped him,” Thornley said.

Franco Norton settled in fifth with Mach Quillan (Mach Three) opening up a big lead.

With just under a lap to run Thornley got the four year old into the outside running line which was led by Tairlaw Toll (Somebeachsomewhere) and Robyns Playboy (Shadow Play).

Halfway down the straight Mach Quillan was showing some fight but when Thornley released the horse’s head gear he found more, and raced away to win by five lengths from a game Mach Quillan with Robyns Playboy battling well for third.

FRANCO NORTON REPLAY

The winning time of 3-38.2 was a new track and race record. The previous record of 3-39.3 was held by Johnny Mac (Mach Three).

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink