Talent runs in the Finnis family

As pleased as he was to win the Mount Gambier Country Pacing Cup, veteran horseman Barry Finnis had an even bigger reason to celebrate last Saturday night.

Finnis’ moment in the harness racing spotlight came via Royal Speech (Well Said), which proved too slick with Lochie Cook in the cart.

After enjoying the one-one trip from his second row draw, Royal Speech rated 1:59.8 over 2190 metres as Kowalski Analysis and Hanging Fire filled the placings.

“It was a top drive from Lochie and great to see the horse put in his best,” Finnis said. “I was confident he would be right in the finish if he was on his best behaviour, but that’s not always the case.

“I was pleased with his run and it is even better when he goes well as my in-laws own him!

“He has to have another run in one of the heat Cups to be eligible for the Final, so I will probably take him to Victor Harbor in a couple of weeks.

“All going well, it will be on to the Final in Port Pirie a fortnight later.”

ROYAL SPEECH REPLAY

Finnis’ biggest highlight of the evening was watching his grandson, Juddy, capture the Mount Gambier Pony Trot Cup.

Runner-up in a heat earlier on the card, Juddy reined his trusty steed – Smokey – to glory to join his father, Jayson, on the honour roll.

“Watching Juddy win really topped off the night as we had most of the family there,” Finnis said. “My son Jayson won the same race about 25 years ago, so he’s certainly following in his dad’s footsteps.”

For complete race results, click here.

From HRSA Media