Alford nearing 8000 wins

The final countdown is underway.

Champion harness racing driver Chris Alford moved to within ten wins of an amazing and historic 8000 career wins with victory on Good Heart (Father Patrick) in the final race at Cranbourne last night.

“I’ll get there. It might take a week, two weeks or longer, but I’ll get there,” Alford laughed.

“Obviously, there’s a lot of talk about it, and it’ll be a big thrill when I get there, but until then, I’ll just keep getting along to the meetings and doing my best.”

“I’m as competitive as ever and love winning races anywhere because they mean as much to a trainer at Cranbourne as they do a big race at Melton.”

Victoria’s biggest meeting, Hunter Cup night, is just 15 days away and looms as potentially a fairytale stage for Alford to reach the milestone.

“Yeah, that would be pretty amazing, wouldn’t it?” he said.

Alford, 55, has driven in well over 40,000 races in a career spanning more than 40 years.

His quest for the 8000th win continues eight drives on the 10-race Melton card on Friday night.

Alford then heads to the terrific Ballarat Cup meeting on Saturday night for three drives, headed by star trotting mare Queen Elida in a star-studded $50,000 Group 2 Knight Pistol.

“She’ll need a bit to go right from the draw, but I’ll just let her drop back from out there (gate seven), and sure, she’ll be finishing strongly when it matters,” he said.

“She felt like she needed the run at Bendigo, and I’m sure she’ll be better for the run again this week as she gets ready for the Great Southern Star.”

Alford also has five drives at Geelong’s meeting on Sunday and heads to Maryborough on Monday for another four drives.

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by Adam Hamilton, for Harness Racing Victoria