Luke McCarthy reaches 3,000 winners at Menangle

Ace driver Luke McCarthy reached a milestone of 3,000 winners when he guided Don Hugo (Art Major) to a grtty harness racing win In the Ultra Air Free for All at Menangle Park last night.

And it was a masterful drive by McCarthy on his leading pacer Don Hugo who is being set for the Miracle Mile in a fortnight.

Don Hugo showed early speed with outstanding New Zealander It’s Merlin but eventually surrendered the lead to Speak the Truth.

DON HUGO FEB 22 REPLAY FREE FOR ALL

The field raced in Indian file for most of the trip until Kosimo issued a run on the final bend. McCarthy eased out to challenge Speak the Truth but then had to withstand a challenge from It’s Merlin who followed through and loomed up as a serious challenger.

However Don Hugo showed typical fight down the straight and McCarthy nursed the five year old stallion to win by just over a metre from It’s Merlin with Speak The Truth a further ten metres away third.

Don Hugo returned an impressive 1.52.8 for the 2300 metre trip.

It’s Merlin lost no admirers in finishing second and will improve on that effort.

Along with Don Hugo they will be racing in next week’s qualifiers for the Group 1 Garrards Miracle Mile on 8 March.

Don Hugo was beaten on his merits in the AG Hunter Cup earlier in the month by Swayzee and Leap To Fame but he is back in Sydney and he relishes the Menangle Park circuit where he has won the Inter Dominion and Eureka.

In his illustrious career Luke McCarthy has won 80 Group 1 races and with the forthcoming classics looks set to add to that impressive tally.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink