Ex-New Zealand mare continues her winning run

The Michael Laugher-trained Killarney Dance (A Rocknroll Dance) continued on her winning way, with another impressive harness racing win in Launceston on Sunday night.

The win was the mare’s fourth in five Tasmanian starts since being purchased from New Zealand by Michael and his wife, Toni.

From barrier one on Sunday, Killarney Dance ($1.12 fav) was able to lead before running away from her rivals in a 58.0s last half mile to score by 19.6m over Amillion Promises ($41) and Endeavour Stride ($5.50).

“I couldn’t be more happier with her, and she seems to be getting better every week.

“She is what we were hoping for (when we brought her),” said Micheal.

Killarney Dance was almost not seen in Launceston on Sunday.

Michael’s son Jack was keen to get the mare into Michael’s Victorian satellite stable that he runs, with the mare being nominated for a race at Melton the night prior.

“It didn’t really suit us to go, so we have decided to hold off for a couple of more weeks.

“Im going to give her a little freshen up so she won’t race for two or three weeks.

“We will just see what’s on. The stakes money is better here unless you go the city racing over there, so I will just look at what suits her best and see where she ends up,” explained Michael.

The win was one of three winners on the night for driver Rohan Hillier who also drove Budgiesmuggler ($7.00) to victory and Hy Leinvincible ($1.22), who he also trains.

Hillier was denied four winners when narrowly defeated on race favourite Iden Lady Lincoln, who dead-heated for second with Looby Lombo in the night’s feature race, the, King Fillies & Mares Series.

The race was won by Moth Hunter ($3.70) who flashed home late to score a short half-head win, continuing the good run for the John and Charlie Castles combination.

For complete race results, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing