Jumpingjackmac too good in Bunbury Pacing Cup

Jumpingjackmac NZ (Mach Three) earned himself a Golden Ticket into the $300,000 Retravision Fremantle Cup later this month after his impressive harness racing win over the weekend in the Gr3 $50,000 Swan Draught Bunbury Cup (2569m).

Trained by Gary Hall Snr and expertly driven by Stuart McDonald, the talented 6-year-old went into Saturdays race at $23 odds, and although in an interview earlier in the week when Hall Snr mentioned the horse had ‘drawn bad’, it appears there are no bad draws in these big races, with Hall Snr having plenty of success in Pacing Cups from the widest barrier on the front line in his long history in the sport.

McDonald was given free rein into the race, with Hall Snr sitting back and allowing the Group 1 winning reinsman to make the decisions, and after pressing forward at the start, the pair worked their way three wide to eventually gain the breeze position, before handing up to Never Ending with around 1200m to go.

Jumpingjackmac NZ and McDonald made their run three wide just before the final bend to win by a 1.9m margin in 1:57:4.

“We planned it that way a little bit and it was a great drive by Stuey and the result was even better.” Hall Snr said.

Hall Snr confirmed earlier today that he is yet to make a decision on his slot choice for the upcoming $1.25million Nullarbor Slot race but is likely to make his choice after this Friday nights racing at Gloucester Park, but Jumpingjackmac NZ looks to be a big contender.

JUMPINGJACKMAC REPLAY

The son of Mach Three CA has now earned connections in excess of $736,000, with 18 wins and 20 placings from his 58 career starts.

Jumpingjackmac NZ ran third in last years Nullarbor, as well as finishing in second placing in the 2023 WA Pacing Cup in November before heading out for a spell, making his return on March 18 at Pinjarra where he finished fourth in the Mount Eden Sprint (Gr3) at Pinjarra.

Pinny Tiger was still four back on the pegs heading into the home straight and after taking all the shortcuts and making full use of the sprint lane, finished second in the feature on the night, with his ecstatic connections on course.

Pinny Tiger will bypass the $50,000 Gr3 Governors Cup this Friday at Gloucester Park; with Michael Brennan hopeful they’ve done enough to gain a start in the Gr1 Fremantle Cup on April 26.

Swingband lead throughout the 2569m trip, going down by just 1.9m on the line to finish in third place, but the Bell camp will head to the Gr3 Governors Cup this Friday before concentrating on The Nullarbor in just 18 days time, with the five-year-old racing for the Jeavons Racing Slot.

“On face value, a shade disappointing, our excuse is the pull down blinds have been a detriment rather than beneficial,his last two runs looked to be cruising and when they were activated he started waiting for them,”

“I’ll be throwing them in the bin.”

“He’s come through the run like he hadn’t been around, so pressing on as planned.” Ryan Bell said.

Last years Bunbury Cup victor, Lavra Joe, finished just 2.3m behind the winner, taking fourth in the Group 3, with the Ray Jones trained six-year-old racing in the Nullarbor for the RAM Racing Syndicate.

“He sprinted home unbelievably well.”

“He’s been galloping around the paddock; he’s had a great recovery.” Ray Jones said

Lavra Joe will also contend this weekend’s Governors Cup at headquarters

For complete race results, click here.

by Ashleigh Paikos, for RWWA