Jack Butler strikes gold with Exclusive Hustler in Golden Guitar

Popular Queensland trainer Jack Butler struck gold when his consistent pacer Exclusive Hustler (Art Major) finished powerfully to defeat harness racing stable mate Deebo In the Group 3 $50,000 Multiquip Golden Guitar Final at Tamworth last night.

Well supported Exclusive Hustler who was narrowly beaten in his heat was eased back at the rear by driver Jye Coney. Favourite Loyal Lou was caught wide early as Deebo made full use of the pole draw to hold the early lead. Rock Hammer settled behind the leader while Loyal Lou eventually settled with a one and one back trail.

Coney took off on Exclusive Hustler as they turned in the straight for the bell and in doing so flushed out Loyal Lou whose driver Seaton Grima probably would have preferred to have waited a little bit longer. At that point Coney was able to ease back for a breather one out and one back.

Loyal Lou issued a challenge to Deebo who showed plenty of fight and actually moved away on straightening. Just as Deebo was being declared the winner Exclusive Hustler let down with a strong run to snatch victory by half a neck while Lullaby came from back in the field to take third placing.

EXCLUSIVE HUSTLER 23 JAN REPLAY

Just turned a four year old Exclusive Hustler was prepared early in his career by Russell Jack at Shepparton and he won races at Wagga and Albury. After racing at Wagga in July he was transferred to Butler’s stables where prior to his Tamworth success he had won three races at Albion Park.

Jack Butler who was formerly from Bathurst before going to Logan Village in Queensland and is remembered with his tough pacer Dinky Di who raced consistently in the very top company. Butler won the Queensland Trainer of the Year in 2022.

Not long ago Butler was facing critical health issues and has shown great resolve and courage so his success is richly earned.

The win capped a good night for star young driver Jye Coney as earlier in the evening he guided Betterthanfederer (Betterthancheddar) to a tough win for trainer Michael Formosa in the Golden Guitar Consolation.

This was Tamworth’s biggest night of the season and a good crowd was treated to keen racing. The club is the flagship for the New England region and this season it will conduct 36 meetings.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink