What a catch!

Sarah Cotton—well known in thoroughbred circles and also the Clerk of the Course at Hobart harness racing meetings—was called into action in race three.

When Stir Me Up, driven by leading junior driver Mitch Ford, broke gear as the starter let them go, the stewards report claims the field was disrupted due to the necessity of the Clerk-of- the Course (Sarah Cotton)lending assistance to driver M Ford, when the bit on his drive, STIR ME UP, snapped approaching the first turn, thereby leaving him with no control of his gelding

The stewards report went on to read The gear on STIR ME UP was inspected and found it to be well maintained, as such, Stewards deemed the circumstances around the broken bit to be an unfortunate incident. Sarah showed outstanding horsemanship by moving swiftly into the field and taking control of the horse as the field came down the home straight the first time. Stewards declared the event a no-race, as most of the field was inconvenienced.

The incident was the only dampener on the evening for Mitch Ford, who drove four winners and, in doing so, notched up his 200th career victory.

For complete race results, click here.

by Gary Newton