Mission accomplished for Team Turnbull

Shepparton father-and-daughter team Craig and Abbey Turnbull will arrive back home this morning (Nov 4) after a highly successful short harness racing campaign in Tasmania – highlighted by a win in a $60,000 Gr 3 juvenile feature.

“We did very well, but it was great to just get away too,” Turnbull said.

“Abbey was coming backwards and forth with work commitments at home, but it was a much-needed mini break,” he said.

“To spend three weeks training a few of our team at a property overlooking the beach was terrific. I told Abbey this morning this is my ideal retirement plan down the track!”

The Turnbulls were based at the Devonport property of Mick Maxwell during their stay and their trio clearly enjoyed the change of scenery as well – competing at three Hobart meetings and one at Launceston for the impressive return of four wins, three second placings and a fourth.

Two-year-old colt Okanui Beach (Downbytheseaside) confirmed he has a bright future with a runaway win in the $60,000 Prydes Easifeed Dandy Patch Final for Tasbred 2YO colts and geldings at Hobart on Saturday night (Nov 2).

“Abbey had her hands full going up to the gate because he had a bee in his bonnet on Saturday night.  She was pretty careful, but he’s just got to learn to settle down,” Turnbull said.

The Turnbulls’ host during their Tasmanian trip, Mick Maxwell, bred Okanui Beach and sold him at last year’s APG Melbourne sale for $20,000.  Okanui Beach is raced by successful NSW owner-breeder Doug Johnston.

“We decided to stay away from the big races back home because the horse needed time. I sort of had this race in mind because he was TasBred and I thought the trip would help him a lot, which it has.”

Okanui Beach was perfectly rated in front by Abbey with quarters of 30.4 and 31.4, before being allowed to lengthen stride over the final stages (29.6, 28.7) to win by 24 metres.

The pacer ran fourth in his heat after breaking gear and having no luck, before bouncing back with an all-the-way win to break his Maiden status nine days later in the $14,000 Tasmanian Horse Transport 2yo Pace at Hobart.

“He may have another run to try to get his VicBred before another long spell.  Then we will aim at the Tassie features again next year,” Turnbull said.

Four-year-old gelding Binalong Week (Always B Miki) continued on his winning way for the stable with two wins from as many starts at Launceston and Hobart.

The horse has leg issues and under the care of the Turnbull team has been a revelation with four consecutive wins – his previous two for them being at Yarra Valley and Wagga.

“He’s got some tendon worries, but all is fine at the moment,” he said.

The other member of the travelling team was Bet Sheza Lady (Betting Line) who was runner-up on three occasions at Hobart.

The trip was the second for Team Turnbull  – the first in 2022 saw Craig and Abbey combine to win the Tasmanian Derby with Hiranya.

Before putting the horses on the boat for the home trip across Bass Strait, Craig and Abbey they enjoyed some fun with the team in the surf.

“They loved it. We had one in the gig and the other two on the lead. They just waded in. It was their first time at the beach,” Turnbull said.

“The girls at home at Tatura have been busy keeping our others going. They won’t be far away from the races and there’s a few others to come back in.”

For complete race results, click here

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink