Sentimental win for Hoban family

It was a sentimental win that harness racing’s Hoban family will hold very close to their hearts – Tangoingwithsierra’s success in Friday night’s Group 3 Breeders Crown Graduate Cup at Melton.

The five-year-old Sportswriter mare was previously trained by respected horseman Gary Hoban who sadly lost his battle with cancer last May.

This feature was Tangoingwithsierra’s first start since Gary’s passing with trainer Adam Kelly and victory in this $30,000 feature meant so much more as driver Greg Sugar wore the late horseman’s colours.

The race unfolded perfectly for Tangoingwithsierra who began inside the second row.

After settling on the pegs, Sugars was able to angle the mare into the running line with a lap to go.

Once clear, Tangoingwithsierra powered to the finish line, overcoming the final two quarters of 28.2 and 28 seconds.

The mile rate of 1:53.9 was the fastest of the night.

Tangoingwithsierra is raced by Kym and Craig Hoban and extended her record to 13 wins and 11 placings in 26 starts and earnings of $223,330.

By Amanda Rando for Harnesslink