Barney clocks blistering last half at Wagga

IT is no surprise Kate Gath found a Gout Gout connection to her record-breaking harness racing win aboard My Ultimate Barney at Wagga yesterday.

The emerging three-year-old clocked the fastest official last half in Australian pacing history when he scorched home in 25sec flat in a heat of the NSW Breeders Challenge.

Gath, a renowned marathon runner and passionate athletics fan, captured the moment best: “Stewards confirmed the 25sec was correct, but it was very windy and it was a tail win. It wouldn’t have counted for Gout Gout. It’s a very fast track, but I’ll take it.”

My Ultimate Barney, raced by Queendlander Norm Jenkin, now heads to the heats of the Victoria Derby at Melton on October 11.

“Unfortunately, the NSW series clashes with the Victoria Derby. If he makes the Derby final, he’ll run there, but if not, he’ll run in the semis of the NSW Breeders Challenge at Menangle on the same night,” trainer Andy Gath said.

“We’ve got a big opinion of him, especially his speed.

“He’s the sort of horse who, if he got the right sit just off them in a race like the Derby, could really give it a shake.”

My Ultimate Barney’s win was his 10th from just 25 starts with another six seconds and a third.

For complete race results, click here.

by Adam Hamilton, for Harness Racing Australia