Hobby trainer seeking Miracle Mile glory

Castlereagh harness racing trainer Joe Conolly will be hoping to become the first hobby trainer to win a Miracle Mile since Peter Rixon and his champion Divisive took out the 2008 edition.

The Conolly-trained Loyalist (Bettor’s Delight) will take on a star-studded field in this Saturday night’s Garrards-sponsored million-dollar feature at Tabcorp Park Menangle after qualifying for the great race last weekend.

A highly-ranked police officer, Conolly has proven that he is a serious horse trainer and he had Loyalist spot-on to contest the Allied Express Sprint, a qualifying race for the Miracle Mile . . . and the gelding did not let him down.

After racing at the tail of the field until straightening for the run in, Loyalist charged home late, picking off quality pacers that were racing to his inside to be beaten less than two metres by Hi Manameisjeff in a slashing 1:48.4.

“I was so excited by his run,” said Conolly.

“We have not found the bottom of this fellow yet.

“I have always felt that he had what it takes to achieve the results that he has throughout the past 12 months, but you don’t really believe it until it actually happens.

“He just keeps stepping up, doing us proud and to now have him poised to contest a Miracle Mile is super exciting.”

Conolly only purchased Loyalist from New Zealand less than 18 months ago and the son of Bettors Delight has had his fair share of niggling problems.

So, for him to be mixing with the best Australasia has to offer, he has certainly exceeded Conolly’s expectations.

“He is just a dream horse that tries his heart out every time he goes around,” said Conolly.

“His regular driver Seaton (Grima) has developed a great rapport with this horse.

“He and I have worked together for some time now so if we were able to combine to pull off the unthinkable and win a big race like the Miracle Mile it would be something incredibly special and it would mean a lot.”

Loyalist will start from gate three on Saturday night, and, on paper it is a perfect draw to accommodate his ‘come-from-behind’ racing style.

“We just have to hope that the pressure is on for the entire trip,” said Conolly.

“That is our best chance of being able to get home over the top of the big guns.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW