History created – first sub 1:50 mile at Wagga

History was created at harness racing’s Riverina Paceway in Wagga Wagga tonight with the first sub 1:50 mile rate recorded there.

The track has been in operation since 2019 and the fastest mile seen so far was the 1:50.3 rate set by Star Major last year.

However, former New Zealand-based Mach Three gelding Mach Shard changed all of that tonight when winning the Group 3 Wagga Cup in 1:49.7.

Drawing inside the second row, Mach Shard ($7.50) was tucked away on the pegs by driver Jack Callaghan while fellow reinsman Jack Trainor and his drive Balraj ($3.60 favourite) set up the hot pace in front.

The first two quarters were 27.6 and 27.8 and the tempo escalated with the third quarter in 26.7 seconds.

As the final split was 28.1 seconds, the field opened up in the home straight, allowing Mach Shard to gain a clear run and win the $30,600 feature by more than two metres over the leader and Max Delight who faced the breeze.

“It worked out perfectly and ended up in a spot closer than what I thought I would be,” said Callaghan.

“His last few runs have been great, even during the (Miracle Mile) Carnival after a long break.

“It’s great to see him back in the winners’ circle.”

Mach Shard was trained by Barry Purdon in New Zealand before making his way to Cobbitty Equine Farm in 2021 under the guidance of Belinda McCarthy.

Finishing third in the Allied Express Sprint at Menangle first up, Mach Shard then went on to win the $100,000 Group 1 Ainsworth Free-For-All at that venue.

He was then off the racing scene for almost a year and tonight was his sixth start back this campaign.

As for Callaghan, this was his sixth success at Group level this year having already collected the trophies for the Ballarat, Bendigo and Shepparton Cups, the Schweppes Sprint and the Intercity Pace.

By Amanda Rando for Harnesslink