Swan Hill looking to a positive future.

Country harness racing is always at its best on Cup nights and the Swan Hill Harness Racing Club is right up with them. The picturesque circuit is on the inside of the galloping track and Swan Hill is a known tourist destination on the Murray River.

Sharing the complex with the gallopers has its advantages as there are modern facilities with spacious lawns for the viewing public.

The club came into being ten years ago when the nearby Nyah club was closed and racing moved to Swan Hill.

Club President Noel Watson presents a positive and optimistic assessment of harness racing in the area. The club has six meetings per year and sometimes pick up an extra card.

He explained, “If you look at positioning we are in the top eight for field turnover per race. And we always have at least seven races.”

“We’re in close liaison with Harness Racing Victoria to manufacture program that suits. We’re two hours from Bendigo and of course we draw in from Mildura where there is a large number of pacers in work.”

“Our track right up there with mile rates including Melton. On the 1000 metres sand based surface it’s not uncommon to regularly run mile rates 1.54 to 1.55.”

“We raise funds such as the stallion tender and have extracurricular activities.”

As a first for any club Swan Hill provides $50 fuel vouchers for trainers for every horse that starts at four of their six meetings.

Watson added “We put on a free BBQ at every meeting for all participants. Another feature that we have been running over the years is the Blue Pearl meeting that is specifically for lady drivers.”

Watson considers that the Friday night scheduling for their Cup meeting is successful. And that figures stack up well for Cup night. The club made application to the TAB  for a guaranteed jackpot amount and this will apply for the cup meeting to the tune of $50,000.

Watson who is a renowned local identity has been calling the football for the last 40 years. And they work closely with the harness racing club sponsors 3SH Swan Hill.

As is the case with mainstream country clubs Swan Hill has a dedicated group of enthusiastic volunteers. And it’s their generous spirit and effort that helps the club to put on a entertaining meeting for the general public when they turn up.

On the big night the $15,000 3SH Pacing Cup was taken out in stylish fashion by lightly raced three year old Tuivasa (American Ideal) who led all the way to take out the 2240 metre classic. An easing favourite Tuivasa was caught a little wide early before tackling Hes No Romeo who was having his first run since arriving from New Zealand.

TUIVASA OCT 31 REPLAY

Driver Mark Pitt was able to steady the field and with no other runner tackling him was able to dictate his own terms of pace. Curyo Gentleman pulled out three wide in the back straight to issue a challenge to nearly move alongside the leader while Hes No Romeo was looking to take the sprint lane.

However shaken up, Tuivasa ran her last 400 metres in a quick 26.9 seconds and he was able to easily account for Miki Sing who flashed home along the rails ahead of Curyo Gentleman who fought on well for third.

Pitt seemed optimistic regarding Tuivasa’s future going ahead.

“He’s only been lightly raced and the more races he has  he’s going to be a better horse for the future.”

“Clayton and Emma have done a great job with him, this guy’s got a few little quirks you have to go with him. He’s a little bit green, he ducks in he ducks out, he can put in a funny step every now and then. The more you go with him the better he is. But I actually think he’s better when he’s outside of me so he concentrates better.”

“He’s a beautiful looking animal. Clayton and Emma’s horses look so good even in winter.”

“I drove him like the best horse tonight and he was.”

Interview courtesy of Campbell’s Comments

The $12,000 Yabby Dams Trotters Cup turned into an intriguing battle between the Brent Lilley trained stablemates El Conqueror (Sebastian K)  and Maestro.

EL CONQUEROR OCT 31 REPLAY

El Conqueror driven by Tristan Larsen was having his first start since arriving from New Zealand where he had raced on 64 occasions and had won the Reefton Cup.

The lead changed several times before El Conqueror held off Maestro who took the trail behind the leader. Georgy Girl issued a challenge in the back straight but El Conqueror held his ground to defeat Maestro who obtained an inside run with Tiktok coming in for third.

It was a night of fast times, a new track record was set for the 1750 metres journey by Wild Bull (Raging Bull) who ran 1.52.3 while in the next event He’s All Torque (Pet Rock) equalled the previous track record running 1.53.3.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink