Equal-best crowd at Pirie’s Pacing Cup

The 2018 U-Bet Pacing Cup was a resounding success at Phoenix Park last Friday. The crowd of 1200 was “as good as we have had for many years,” according to Port Pirie Harness Racing Club secretary-manager Neville Thomson.

On-course wagering with bookmaker Curly Seal, represented by Robert Cronin, and the TAB reached $25,000.

The enthusiastic crowd racked up food and drink sales of more than $12,000.

Star of the night was the leading South Australian driver Danielle Hill who won the $15,000 cup with Our Jericho.

The horse is owned by Butterworth Racing Syndicate and trained by Les Harding who is Hill’s partner’s father from Globe Derby Park.

Second was Rap Artist, trained and driven by Darren Billinger and owned by Mark Billinger and Richard Miller.

Third was Bettor Party, also trained by Les Harding and driven by Ken Rogers.

Hill had eight drives – every race – on the night for three wins, three seconds and two thirds.

“Two meetings ago she had six drives for five winners here,” Mr Thomson said.

“She loves coming here. She travels widely. So far this season, which is halfway through, she has driven 99 winners and at least 25 of them have been here.

“The spectators can appreciate her skills. She is in every race and she is built very lightly.

“She has proven she is the best and she will go anywhere to drive. She deserves her success.”

The meeting offered total prizemoney of $55,000.

By Greg Mayfield

Reprinted with permission of The Recorder