Don Hugo’s courageous win to qualify for Miracle Mile

Brilliant pacer Don Hugo (Art Major) passed one of his major tests when he came off the outside front row draw to score a stirring harness racing win in the Cordina Chicken Farms Sprint at Menangle Park last night.

Having to win or run second to qualify for the Miracle Mile Don Hugo was facing a huge task from his wide draw and he was made to work for his win.

DON HUGO MAR 1 REPLAY CORDINA CHICKEN FARMS SPRINT

Favourite Max Delight took advantage of his pole draw to hold out the lead. Captains Knock from his awkward draw went around the field and Luke McCarthy decided to take off early with Don Hugo. He was caught three wide for a while but he was eventually able to move up alongside Max Delight.

The two cleared away on turning for home but it was Don Hugo who had by far the harder run who drew clear. Understandably Don Hugo was getting tired and out wide both Catch A Wave and Sooner The Better coming from the rear of the field to take out the placings.

Don Hugo ran 1.48.8 for the mile trip just 0.2 seconds slower than Swayzee.

McCarthy commented

“ I couldn’t see how close the others were. I was really thrilled to see that he had done all the work and still come up with that victory. It’s been a dream run to have him coming into the Miracle Mile on that performance. That run has done him good and we’re looking forward to next week. To run those sectionals facing the breeze he couldn’t have done better.” “It’s going to be a great race. It’s possible they could break the track record.”

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink