Memorial race delivers a special moment for Blake

It was February 2018 when the harness racing community across New South Wales was saddened by the sudden passing of 18-year-old reinsman Nic Dewar from Young.

A star on the rise, Dewar was tragically killed in a car accident when travelling home after driving at a race meeting in Shepparton.

Since then, the Shepparton and Young Harness Racing Clubs have combined to host a race series in Nic’s honour, inviting up-and-coming young reinsmen and women to compete against each other in four races between the two tracks.

Blake Micallef is one of those drivers that is passionate about the Nic Dewar Memorial . . . and for good reason.

Blake and Nic grew up as close friends from their childhood and for Micallef, winning a heat of the Memorial series at Shepparton on Thursday evening aboard Major Fire (Art Major) was emotional, but gave him a great deal of satisfaction.

“It gave me one of the most special feelings that I have experienced in the sport,” said Micallef.

“Our families have an unbreakable bond and remain close so I know how much the win on Thursday meant to us all.”

Blake will turn his focus to today’s meeting at Coolamon, a busy afternoon for the popular reinsman as he competes in eight of the nine races on the program.

It is the Coolamon Club’s feature TAB Carnival Of Cups meeting, one of the best and well-attended race days run in the Riverina.

The $14,000 Redfox Electrical Contractors Coolamon Cup highlights a strong program and Micallef is confident he can figure prominently in the race when he combines with his father David and handy pacer So Much Bettor.

Owned by the Schiller family, the gelding is first-up this afternoon following a four-month break away from the track.

On the back of four solid trials in recent weeks, Blake believes the eight-year-old is fit enough and will be charging home off the back of a predicted solidly-run race.

“He seems happy and healthy at home, and I am sure Dad has him forward enough to run a mighty race,” said Micallef.

“It is never easy heading straight into a Cup race from a spell, but he has class on his side.”

Brooklyn Bridge for trainer Ellen Bartley and ace Riverina reinsman Blake Jones is favoured to take out the Cup.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW