Dashing wins Junee Cup for Harpley

One of harness racing’s best known identities Bruce Harpley was finally rewarded in taking out the Phoenix Accounting and Business Services Junee Pacing Cup last night with Dashing (Art Major) before a cheering local crowd.

Bruce is a member of one of Australia’s most revered trotting families in the Harpleys and the Junee Cup is one race that he has always longed to win at his home track where he serves as Vice President.

The event was worthy of a Cup status with action from start to finish.

Dashing who was second favourite behind Shez Sweet Louise was settled back towards the rear early.

The mare Moneys On Matilda bounded out to lead at the start resisting an early challenge from Jekamias. Harpley on Dashing allowed his horse to drop out at the rear early while the pace was steady. He then allowed Dashing to race three wide up to the leaders and he finally settled outside the leader from where he would stay for the remainder of the event.

Favourite Shez Sweet Louise was well back at this stage along with the other fancied candidate Scared Stiff.

Dashing issued a challenge to Moneys on Matilda who had been perfectly rated in front by Jye Coney and Rebounder who had enjoyed a trail suddenly appeared three wide at the top of the straight to make for a gripping finale. However it was Dashing showing great determination who was able to prevail beating Moneys On Matilda by a head with Rebounder 5 metres away third.

Harpley has done a great job with Dashing who is out of former Group 1 winning mare Frith and he continues to display the promise that he showed as a young horse. Only a four year old, the gelding is set for a stellar career and metropolitan success beckons.

It was a huge night for Bruce Harpley as in the previous event his handy mare Tick A Loch (Always B Miki) stormed home to take out the Allan Harpley Memorial named in honour of Bruce’s father.

Again in an action packed event, Tick A Loch was able to attain a nice trail one out. The race was marred when favourite Forever Yin who was leading broke up with a lap to go after jumping an object. Comanchi Warrior tried to steal the race but was caught by Captain’s Catch who in turn was gathered in by Leavemeout. However it was a Tick A Loch who had the last run and Harpley triumphantly raised his whip as his horse went to the line.

DASHING REPLAY

It was a memorable night for the Junee Harness Racing Club who have had their share of concerns in the past. A local dispute prevented races being staged at the track last season but they have been able to regain their annual quota of five meetings.

On the strength of last night’s action packed racing, they deserve to maintain their status within the Riverina. And of course last night will be something special for Bruce Harpley to carry thoughts of a truly memorable night for him and his family.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink