Group 1 win helps warm Patsy’s spirits

The joys of what a Group 1 win can bring couldn’t be more evident than the smile that lit up 92-year-old majority owner Patsy Abrahams’ face after Rapid Return hit the line first in Saturday night’s Vicbred Super Series final for four-year-old harness racing trotting mares.

The Goulburn Valley resident was forced to watch the race from home after suffering a few health setbacks.

“I haven’t been very well and have been at hospital, that’s why I didn’t head down and I have been at home, I watched on my Ipad and my television I usually have both going.” Abrahams laughed.

“I screamed and shouted especially because it was such a close finish, and I didn’t know if she would get there in time.

“Group wins are few and far between, so it is lovely to have a winner on a big night.”

The Kerryn Manning-driven mare was trained by Patsy’s son, David.

“She was going to win a race for a long time because she had drawn very badly the last few starts,” she said. “She comes home at 100 miles an hour.

“It was a good win.”

The 92-year-old has had a long and storied history in harness racing.

“The Abraham’s had the first track with lights at Woodend many years ago before they raced at night,” she said.

For complete race results, click here.

by Lachlan Mitchell, for Harness Racing Victoria