Double Lou runs them ragged in Breeders Challenge

Noted speedster Double Lou (Sweet Lou) ran his harness racing rivals off their legs in the $150,000 Group 1 Nutrien Equine New South Wales Breeders Challenge for three year old colts and geldings at Menangle on Saturday evening. He put the writing on the wall with an impressive win in the Semi Final.

Confidently driven by his trainer Bailey McDonough Double Lou showed remarkable early speed to head off the more fancied Path To Greatness and Jungle Dragon. The latter was caught outside the leader while Sweet On Lexy charged around the field to take that position.

DOUBLE LOU OCT 25 REPLAY

Meanwhile Path To Greatness had a nice trail behind the leader. After Double Lou had run his first and third quarters in 26.6 seconds it was expected that he might tire but on straightening he drew clear. Continuing his momentum, Double Lou came away to win by five metres from the fast finishing Sinaloa who came from well back with Sweet on Lexy fighting on for third. Path To Greatness failed to run on and Jungle Dragon weakened to beat just one home.

But all honours were the winner as Double Lou returned 1.49.9 for the mile journey.

It was a huge night for Bailey McDonough, it was his first Group 1 success as a trainer and second as a driver and just nine days ago he became a proud father to daughter Clara and his partner Sofia. It was a clearly emotional occasion for McDonough.

“I’m overwhelmed to be honest. But it’s an awesome amount of feeling that’s going through me tonight.”

“He definitely didn’t feel he was going that fast, definitely not around the bend, I half scared myself when I saw that third quarter pop up but he was going really strongly, going well within himself. It didn’t feel much of a concern there.”

“I was a partner with him as a two year old and I had a good association there. I am thankful enough for Courtney and John and the owners to give me the opportunity to train this horse. He needed the water worker to rehab from this race last year so he fell into my care and I’m really grateful for that. Just happy how its gone this week, it’s absolutely awesome.”

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink