This one’s for you Tony

Where to start with Far Out Bro’s more than impressive victory in tonight’s harness feature, the $100,000 TAB Regional Championships Hunter Final at Newcastle?

The Mach Three horse demolished his rivals to win by 17m.

It gave trainer Adam Ruggari his first Group 1 success and driver Jack Callaghan yet another win at that level on his home track.

Topping it all off was the emotion for the Xerri family who bred and own this horse.

Tony Xerri, who had been the head of the Sloys Company Pty Ltd for many years, passed away after a battle with illness on Tuesday, just five days after his 75th Birthday.

Xerri bred and raced many top line horses, obtaining many Group 1 wins and this was a fitting success for his family in the toughest of weeks.

Tony’s son Darren has managed Sloys Company Pty Ltd in recent times and is continuing his father’s legacy.

“I want to give a special mention to the Xerri family, they have been so supportive of me in my career and it has been such a hard week for the family, this win is for them,” said Callaghan who wore a black armband.

“To get a Group 1 win on your home track is special and to win my first Group 1 win here and to do it again, is great.”

Callaghan’s first Group 1 winner was in this race two years ago with Kanya Crusader.

This victory with Far Out Bro gave Callaghan his fifth win at this level.

Far Out Bro will be recorded as Ruggari’s first Group 1 winner as a trainer.

“It’s awesome but bitter sweet as we would have loved Tony to be here watching it,” said Ruggari.

“It has been a long term plan to get this horse up here (Newcastle) for this race.

“Tony has trusted me with many of his nice horses over the years.

“It’s been an awesome night that went to plan and hopefully we get a bit of luck next week.”

This win qualifies Far Out Bro for next week’s $100,000 State Championships Final at Menangle.

The five-year-old was too strong for his rivals tonight winning in a slick mile rate of 1:55.7 in wet conditions.

After working his way to the lead, he remained there as the quarters were 29.3, 28.1, 28.1 and 30.8 seconds.

FAR OUT BRO REPLAY

For complete Newcastle Friday race results, click here.

by Amanda Rando, for Harnesslink