Keayang ignites the track

Glen Craven is hoping comeback trotter Keayang Ignite (Angus Hall) stands up to the rigours of harness racing. 

Unbeaten at his four starts, Keayang Ignite succumbed to injury after taking out the Group 1 Aldebaran Park Vicbred Platinum Home Grown Classic (3YO Trotting Colts & Geldings) Final at Melton in December 2021. 

The son of Angus Hall made a return to the racetrack following a four-year absence a fortnight ago finishing third behind New Zealand filly High Energy at Melton. 

On Saturday night Keayang Ignite was back in the winner’s stall after working to the lead mid race and defeating Aldebaran Keepa in the Irvin Howard Memorial Trot at Melton in a mile rate of 1:57.8 for 2240 metres. 

“It’s a just reward for everyone at home, Paddy, Margaret and Jason (Lee) and all the workers, it’s a reward for the patience that everybody has shown in him,” Craven said. 

WHAT A COMEBACK STORY!
The highly-talented Keayang Ignite wins his first race since December 2019 with a stunning display in the Irvin Howard Memorial Trot for trainer Paddy Lee and driver Glen Craven! pic.twitter.com/nprSeVDjGN

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) September 23, 2023

Craven admitted he drove him in a conservative manner in his return to the track. 

“He should be undefeated, I under drove him last week but hopefully that will hold him in good stead,” he said. 

Craven said there are no immediate ambitious plans for the six-year-old. 

“He’s still pretty underdone, Paddy has been taking him along steadily and we are all keeping our fingers crossed that he can show his true potential,” he said.  

“Paddy will just pick the races that he goes in and the horse will tell us when he is ready to go to the bigger races but he’s not far away now and it’s just a matter of keeping him together.” 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink