The first race on the Tuapeka harness racing card was won by the Robert Wilson trained Galleons Future (Majestic Son) which beat Kohli Trouble (Superfast Stuart) by a neck. The winner was driven by Nathan Williamson.
In Race Two trainer driver Brian Norman took the third favourite Close, (Washington VC) straight to the top and won by two and three quarter lengths from the late finishing favourite Major Envy (Art Major).
In Race Three the Brent Shirley trained Craigsyde (Rock N Roll Heaven) came up the inside for driver Mark Hurrell to beat favourite Grubscrew (Bettor’s Delight) by half a head. Shirley owns the three year old with his wife Raewyn.
Fireforefiddle (He’s Watching) at start number 122 won his eleventh race when he beat Sherwood Maggie (Live Or Die) by a nose in Race Four. The six year old is trained by Hamish Hunter and was driven by Blair Orange.
The main trot of the afternoon was won by Abadabado (Superfast Stuart) in the hands of Blair Orange. The seven year old mare beat Dwindle Star (Muscle Mass) by two and three quarter lengths. Trained by Shane Matheson it was her first win since Manawatu in April 2021 when she was trained by Michael House.
Nathan Williamson was back in the winner’s circle when he rated Takeitout (Captaintreacherous) to perfection to win Race Six. Owned by Wayne Pope who co-bred her with Murray Swain the three year old filly lead and held out Betting Sensation (Betting Line) by half a neck. Takeitout is trained by Brett Gray.
Mr Cash Man (Shadow Play) upset his more fancied stablemate Advance Party (Bettor’s Delight) to win Race Seven. Both horses were trained by Nathan Williamson who drove Advance Party. Craig Ferguson handled Mr Cash Man which won by half a length.
In the last race of the day Rightazz (Always B Miki) held on for a well deserved win over the desperately unlucky Dreams Are Free (Captaintreacherous). The winning margin was a neck.
Dreams Are Free broke while in tight quarters just after the start, was tailed out and written off by all. In a remarkable run he came home late down the outside to run a close second. The siren sounded and an enquiry was held but the placings remained unchanged.
For complete race results, click here.
by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink