Turnbull shows them how it’s done

It was a masterclass performance from one of the all-time greats of Australian harness racing at Riverina Paceway last Friday (Dec. 9) when legendary Bathurst trainer Steve Turnbull trained three of the four winners in the Western region finals of the NSW Breeders Challenge series.

The afternoon capped off what has been a good season for Turnbull, who has trained 111 winners.

It was no surprise that Turnbull took out the three-year-old colts and geldings as well as the fillies’ divisions as both Saint Veran (Betting Line) and Pas De Cheval (A Rocknroll Dance) were well supported and won well.

However, it was Steve’s third feature race winner, Oliveira (Tintin In America) in the two-year-old fillies’ division that caught punters off guard when she was sent out at 100-1.

Driven perfectly by Turnbull’s oldest son Nathan, Oliveira came from midfield to overpower her more-fancied rivals in a solidly-run race.

But for Steve himself, the win was not totally unexpected as despite not previously shining at the races, she has shown him plenty of promise in private.

“She has always shown us plenty at home,” said Turnbull.

“Just getting the best out of her on race day has been the problem.

“But she certainly stepped up to the mark on Friday, which was really satisfying and confirmed our belief in her.

“And it was great to see her win for the Sloan family.

“They have been long-time supporters of our stable and we have shared in some good fortune along the way.

“All in all, it was a super day for us.

“Both the three-year-olds deserved their wins as they have never been far away in the bigger races throughout their careers.”

OLIVEIRA REPLAY

The Turnbull camp capped off a fruitful day at Dubbo later in the evening when talented filly Smooth Bon Bon (Captaintreacherous) took out a heat of the rich Red Ochre Fillies and Mares Classic when driven by youngest son Mitch.

The final of the Red Ochre will be run this Friday night and Smooth Bon Bon will be well supported in the feature.

Her clash with the other heat winner Yarraman Bella will be a highlight of Dubbo’s Carnival of Cups meeting.

A nine-race program is scheduled for Bathurst tonight and Steve Turnbull has several winning chances engaged at the meeting including Oliveira in the TAB App Graeme Board & Co 2022 Sales Prelude.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW