Sugars lauds Hamilton track man Turner

“You’d struggle to get a faster harness racing track than Hamilton in the country at the moment,” said Matthews Petroleum Hamilton Pacing Cup winning reinsman Greg Sugars today.

After Im Corzin Terror rated 1:57.7 (29.9, 29.7, 27.8 and 27.5 splits) Sugars said the times “were a credit to the track staff”.

“The track is first class – they’ve done a great job,” he said.

Mick Turner oversees the Hamilton track and is both passionate and highly regarded by his peers in the sport.

Club president Paul Lewis paid homage to Turner and his helpers and said it was “great to see the quality of the horses” in the Hamilton Cup today, with the field getting stronger every year.

Meanwhile, Lewis also paid tribute to Peter Hyde, a long-time supporter of the trots in Hamilton.

Hyde has missed only one AGM in almost 50 years and is a regular on cup day, having donated a watch to the winning driver of the cup for many years.

Sugars picked up his second watch from Hyde today – he also won the Hamilton Cup in 2013 aboard Our Arlington.

“It’s a real honour to receive this from Peter. He’s been a great supporter of the club for a long time. It is amazing longevity and people like Peter are really important to the industry," Sugars said.

Hyde was presented with a plaque in recognition of his services at the club president’s luncheon.

“This was a really great genuine surprise,” he remarked.

“I’ve been here a long time. The club’s had its ups and downs but it’s really on the up right now.”

Cody Winnell

Harness Racing Victoria