Veteran Triple Eight prevails again

Evergreen veteran Triple Eight (American Ideal) showed great courage with a typically gritty harness racing win in the Nevele R Stud Free for All at Melton which followed a similar win in free for all company two weeks ago at the same track.

Having his 147th start the nine year old bay gelding was sent favourite despite the presence of the speedy Helluva over the short 1720 metre distance. 

However the situation didn’t look promising at first when Triple Eight was caught a bit wide and driver James Herbertson had no option but to take him outside the leader.

Meanwhile Helluva showing his customary early speed found the lead after a short quick early tussle with driver Ewa Justice looking to catch a breather while in the lead. With the third quarter run in a slick 27.9 seconds Herbertson called upon Triple Eight for his effort and the gelding responded by gradually getting the upper hand from Helluva. 

Serge Blanco who had a one out two back trail flashed home down the outside but it was too late and Triple Eight prevailed by a neck with Helluva a metre away third. 

Triple Eight completes back-to-back wins in the Nevele R Stud Free For All with James Herbertson taking the reins on the Jess Tubb's-trained 9yo. pic.twitter.com/323kPB7htQ

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) November 2, 2024

Herberston was fulsome in his praise of Triple Eight.

“He’s a great front runner. To the old horse’s credit he went at it. He’s all heart and gives 110%. He’s a credit to Jesse and Greg to keep him going for as long as he has”.

His mile rate of 1.52.2 indicates that the old gelding has plenty of life still left in him. And he’s proved to be a great money spinner for his connections with his earnings around the $860,000 mark.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink