Sheryl caps off birthday celebrations at HQ

Sheryl Hawke celebrated a major birthday during the week and a horse raced by her family put the icing on the cake at Melton on Saturday night.

The Beach Fantasy (Downbytheseaside) – who Sheryl owns in partnership with father John, brother Darren, husband Mark, sister-in-law Lynelle and John’s partner Gaye Lester – brought up three harness racing wins in succession (and five overall) when taking out the 1720m Wagga Tradesman Accounting Pace.

The success came a day after Sheryl’s 60th birthday.

Driven by regular reinsman Jack Laugher, The Beach Fantasy (gate two) looked like being crossed at the start by Eagle Watch (gate three) but did enough to retain the lead. He then had to dig deep to fend off a brave Le Belle Bijoux from the breeze, prevailing by a nose in a thrilling finish. Jaccka Connor, a stablemate of the winner, was third off a one-one trip.

Trained at Strathfieldsaye by Julie Douglas, The Beach Fantasy was bought by John Hawke as a going proposition from New Zealand. The four-year-old gelded son of Downbytheseaside and Motu Fantasy returned a mile rate of 1.55 (last half 55.8 – quarter 27.5) and should continue to make his way through the grades.

by Len Baker, for Harness Racing Victoria