Top field lines up for Hambletonian

Sunday at Gawler is the running of the SA Hambletonian inaugurally run in 1946 with Rattling Billy taking out the events, since then some big harness racing names have taken the event, names such as three-time winner Stephens Boy who won the Hambletonian in 1957 then again in 1960 and 61.

Sir Volo won the feature back-to-back in 1972 & 73, and Light Buffy won back-to-back in 1995 & 96 they joined a trotter called Pander who also was a dual winner of the Hambletonian, Pander scored in 1948 and 1949.

More recently Sundons Pride added the Hambletonian to her SA Oaks win, Rejuvenation won in 2015 followed by Pocketfullofcash (2016), Al Bundy (2017), 2018 SA Horse of the Year claimed the Hambletonian Rocknroll Baby.

The Hambletonian was run at the old Gawler track till 2008 then due to the Club losing its track the Gawler meetings were conducted at Globe Derby Park till 2019 when the new track was approved for conducting race meetings.

The first winner of the Hambletonian on the current 960-metre track was Skyflyer trained by Chris Neilson and driven by Wayne Hill.

Since then the winners have been Godsofthunder (2020), the Penny Drops (2021), in 2022  C K Spur took the honours, and last year Peakz Luck.

Once again, a top-class field will line up for the 2024 edition headed by Regal Attire who despite the 40 metre handicap will more than likely start favourite.

My Used To Be off 20 and Millys Magic on the 10 metre handicap look likely dangers plus the return of Skybreeze off the front line will add interest if he trots all the way.  

For complete race entries, click here.

by Gary Newton for Australian Standardbred Breeder’s Association