No Nukes Skipper mows down rivals in Cup

Junior harness racing driver Jacob Duggan scored the biggest win of his driving career when partnering with No Nukes Skipper (Shadow Play) to take out the Paul Belcher @ Roberts Real Estate New Norfolk Pacing Cup on Sunday (Jan. 29).

The 2400m race was the first held on the Hobart gallops track since February 1997, and Duggan went into the race with some knowledge of the track, haven ridden in thoroughbred jump-outs.

“It is a big thrill to win the cup.

“Obviously, dad (Adrian) and uncle Ricky grew up in New Norfolk, and they have both won the cup in the past,” said Jacob post-race.

No Nukes Skipper paced away cleanly to end up behind the leader before getting a slip in the home straight to race away over the concluding stages.

“I was really happy with the way he stepped away. I was able to sit behind the leader, and he was travelling well throughout the run, and when the leader ran up the track, we were able to run through and get there,” Jacob recalled.

Hez Razor Sharp was 5.1m away in second position, with Puntarno Stride third.

The win was the third New Norfolk Cup win in a row for trainer Ben Yole, with Jacob Duggan also grateful of his support.

“He has been a great support and given me plenty of nice drives.

The other highlight of the Hobart card was the $14,000 Toreace Flying Mile taken out by the Tammy Langley-trained Be Major Threat.

Driver Dylan Ford settled behind the leader from his inside of the second-row draw before pushing into the clear around the final bend to score in a time for the mile of 1m 56.4s, just 0.5s outside the track and state record.

For complete race results, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing