Courtney Sutherland takes out Kari C J Caffyn Plate Indigenous event

Club Menangle staged their highly successful Kari C J Caffyn Plate on Saturday night and the event didn’t disappoint harness racing fans who gathered to see the spectacle.

This penalty free event is unique in that it is the only known harness racing event in Australia run annually that is restricted to indigenous drivers.

Riverina pacer Catchafire (Bettors Delight) driven by Courtney Sutherland was sent out favourite ahead of the Jason Grimson trained Ima Boxer and driven by Jeremy Quinlan.

Itzmineontheline driven by Jai Meikle went to the lead with Catchafire taking a trail and Ima Boxer having to race outside the leader.

Ima Boxer tackled Itzmineontheline in earnest on the final bend but instead going for an inside run, Sutherland elected to come three wide on the final bend. Ima Boxer grabbed the lead but Catchafire finished too strongly to win by two metres over a game Ima Boxer with Itzmineontheline a close third.

CATCHAFIRE CAFFYN PLATE DEC 20 REPLAY

The winner rated 1.51.2 over the mile trip.

Courtney Sutherland expressed her emotions after winning the event.

I feel ecstatic I’m emotional, I’m a wreck, but I am so happy to be here. Privileged to be here.

It’s been a really rough year, a few setbacks had a couple of drives scraped by got through. Everything’s panned out Today was just meant to be. I felt like saluting but I didn’t want to get into trouble. My whole family was ecstatic for me. I had my family with me here tonight. It was really special to me.

Catchafire has proved to be a good performer for trainer Jackson Painting. The New Zealand bred gelding has shown himself to be versatile over a range of distances and he has a strong sprint when held up for a late sprint.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink