Terryrama delivers special moment for Parkes connections

In the harness racing industry, special things happen that warm the heart.

On Saturday night at Tabcorp Park Menangle one of those special moments unfolded when Terryrama (Western Terror) was able to capture his first metropolitan victory for Parkes trainer Malcolm Hutchings.

Purchased for the meagre price of $800, the gelded son of Western Terror was problematic when he first joined his stable more than four years ago but after a combined effort from team Hutchings, they have turned the now eight-year-old into a serious racehorse.

Terryrama has won 13 races for them, including the inaugural TAB Western Championship at Bathurst in 2020 when he started a rank outsider at 80-1.

The pacer’s most recent win was the first at metropolitan level for all concerned, including the horse’s owner Sara Hutchings, who was full of praise for the training effort of her father-in-law Malcolm and brother-in-law Brett, who produced a copybook drive to land his first Saturday night win at Menangle.

Brett is an integral part of the Parkes harness racing landscape, himself an accomplished trainer who works as the local club’s track and grounds curator.

Malcolm trains a small team, juggling his time between working the horses and travelling the 60-kilometre round trip to his shift work at Northparkes gold mine.

“It was a great thrill for the family,” said Hutchings, who was able to make the trip to Sydney on Saturday night.

“We do so much together as a family and harness racing is the glue that keeps us working together.

“My wife Daphney works alongside me with the horses and none of us could keep going without her hard work and support.

“Brett trains out of our property too and there is not a day goes by without our five kids, their partners, our grandkids, and other family members and friends dropping by the stables to give us a hand.

“This fellow (Terryrama) is certainly testament to perseverance.

“There were times when we could have quite easily given up on him but thankfully patience was the virtue as he has done an outstanding job for Sara, winning almost $200,000, and we have all enjoyed the ride immensely.

“His form heading into Saturday night’s race was spot-on and Bretto gave him the perfect steer.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Amanda Rando, for Harness Racing New South Wales