Hewitt bounces back to win $100,000 Group 1

He survived a protest and then a race later trainer-driver Brad Hewitt bounced back to claim a Group 1 at harness racing’s Tabcorp Park Menangle tonight.

Hewitt added his name to the TAB Regional Championships honour roll when taking out the inaugural $100,000 State Final with Send It.

But the moments leading into the race were not as smooth as originally planned.

Being held in the Stewards’ Room after driving Kash Us Back across the line first in the TAB Regional Championships State Consolation the race prior, Hewitt had to hand the reins over to his father, trainer-driver David Hewitt, to warm up Send It.

The protest came from the second-placed Black Hawk Joe and driver Cameron Hart who alleged interference in the last 50m of the race.

However, after deliberations, the protest was dismissed and the placings remained giving Hewitt his second winner of the night after winning with Rockin Marty earlier.

Not knowing his third winner of the night was just around the corner, Hewitt was able to take back the reins to finish off Send It’s warm up.

Send It was the second elect for tonight’s feature and Hewitt worked the gelded son of Western Terror forward from barrier three to find the lead.

The mile rate was 1:55.7.

“I’m so happy for the horse,” said Hewitt.

“He tried his guts out last week and was just pipped on the post so deserves this win.

“He actually doesn’t race that well in front but he kept on kicking back.”

Raced by Jarrod Croker, Codie Medway, Milly Hewitt and Blake Hewitt, Send It gave his owners a thrill.

“It’s a great feeling and to finally get a Group 1 win is awesome,” said Medway.

“Brad and I bought this guy from the Bathurst Yearling Sale and we liked that he was closely related to Spankem so we bought him.

“He deserved that win tonight and just keeps getting better and better.”

To watch Send It’s win click here.

By Amanda Rando for Harnesslink