Art Jordan delivers long awaited breakthrough for Russell

More than a decade after celebrating his last winner, Canterbury trainer Alan Russell was back in the Marlborough winner’s circle on Sunday when Art Jordan (Art Major) broke through for a deserved maiden harness racing victory.

The success ended a bit of a training drought for Russell, whose previous win came with Summer Man at Addington in May 2011. It was Art Jordan’s 30th start and his first time greeting the judge.

Driver Carter Dalgety credited a gear change for the turnaround when speaking to Nigel Armstrong from Harness Racing Unhinged.

“He went a super race on the first day and I told him to put the galloping hood on for today and he showed a bit more gate speed,” Dalgety said.

“After I led from out wide we ended up three the fence, so in the perfect spot.”

From there the race unfolded perfectly. Art Jordan saved ground before charging up the passing lane to score, holding off the late burst of Hez A Loch, who stormed home from well back. Race favourite Pickettywitch battled on bravely after leading for the last lap to finish third.

ART JORDAN REPLAY

Russell felt the win was the result of patience and a change in routine with the improving pacer.

“He seems to be improving all the time. He has had a bit of bad luck,” Russell said.

“The other thing about him is I might have been a wee bit kind to him in terms of feed and not working him enough, so I changed that around and here we are today.”

The trainer also believed conditions played their part.

“I think that dampish track really helped him and he went really good the first day as well, so onwards and upwards.”

Russell’s return to the spotlight will be warmly received across Canterbury. He learned his trade working for several respected stables including Murray Howard, Greg Hope, Stephen Hammer and Sam Smolenski, with Summer Man remaining the best horse he has trained.

And for those watching on course, the victory was easy to spot – the stable’s distinctive red and black colours with the white ‘R’ of Team Russell standing out as Art Jordan finally delivered on his promise.

For complete race results, click here.

By Harnesslink Media including content from Harness Racing Unhinged