Turnbull hoping to continue Miracle Mile tradition

The Turnbull family has been an institution within the Bathurst harness racing fraternity for more than 100 years.

One of the sport’s most famous dynasties kicked off with the Turnbull brothers’ Uncle, “Captain” and the rest is history.

Brothers Joe, Jim and Tony all became accomplished trainer-drivers and their children and grandchildren have continued the legacy of their forebears.

But it was the late Tony Turnbull, who rose to greatness through the deeds of his little champion Hondo Grattan, who contested and won some of the biggest races on the Grand Circuit, including the 1974 Miracle Mile at Harold Park.

And 27 years later, AD’s son, Steve emulated his father’s deeds with Smooth Satin, who took out the 2001 edition of the famous mile.

On Saturday night at Tabcorp Park Menangle, Steve’s daughter Amanda will be hoping that history can repeat itself by becoming a third generation winner of the Miracle Mile.

Turnbull qualified Bundoran for the $1million event last Saturday evening in the Allied Express Sprint when she brought her charge down the extreme outside, coming from near last to get within a half head of star pacer King Of Swing.

Bundoran has been a revelation since joining Amanda’s boutique stable in 2020, when he was purchased from New Zealand by prominent Leeton owner Michael Boots.

“He has done a wonderful job for us and contested some big races this time in,” said Amanda.

“It was such a thrill to win a heat and qualify for the Inter Dominion Grand Final with him.

“Since then, he has just kept stepping up to the mark.

“What he did last Saturday night was incredible.

“He was spotting the leaders a tidy start with 400 metres to run but he was travelling strongly for me.

“He has a great turn of foot when driven quietly off high speed and I felt confident that he was going to get close to them.”

Bundoran has drawn barrier four for Saturday night’s feature and Turnbull will again be looking to take a sit on their more-fancied rivals.

This evening Amanda has a relatively quiet night at her home track of Bathurst with just three drives on the nine-race program.

Former New Zealander Rollyarrrz will be chasing a hat-trick of wins in Race 5 and the gelding looks set for a promising future.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW