Dan does the business

While Ryal Bush harness racing trainer Brett Gray has been in Japan young junior driver Dan Anderson as had the responsibility of running the stable and today he drove and delivered a win for Gray.

“There was a bit of pressure and I can understand how B Gray feels. It’s been a big learning curve but I’ve enjoyed it and it’s lucky I’ve had such great help,” Anderson said in summarising his training stint.

The win was with Julie Jaccka (Father Patrick) in the Maureen Hamilton Memorial Handicap Trot.

Anderson had the five year old fourth in the running line and powered her up with 600 metres to run. Once the field straightened up for the run home Julie Jaccka had hit the front and she went down to the line to win by two and a half lengths from Imperial Man.

JULIE JACCKA REPLAY

“She always goes really good fresh. She was travelling super in the running and as soon as I hooked her out she meant business. I was rapt with the way she hit the line.”

Owned by Charlie and Ailsa Smaill, the win was the five year old mare’s sixth and took her winning stakes to $106,954.

“She’s done a massive job. She was a nice three year old and ran second in the New Zealand Trotting Oaks. She’s a lovely mare who I’m very lucky to drive. This was my third win on her today so it’s a big thanks to Charlie and Ailsa for that.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink