It has been coming for a while but Clark Barron could not have picked a better day to bring up his 1000th winner than on the biggest harness racing day on the Southland calendar at the Diamonds Day at Ascot Park Invercargill today.
Clark was a bit pessimistic about reaching the mark when we spoke to him earlier this week.
“It is never easy on those big days and I might need the rub of the green to bring up the milestone on Sunday” Clark said.
But come raceday and Clark only had to wait till race four on todays programme to bring up that elusive 1000th winner.
Twice lately Clark has tipped out Flight Deck which he trains to us in the weekly ringaround as a horse that should win a race quickly but bad draws and luck have resulted in three ninths prior today.
Today he looked to have had bad luck again when Flight Deck drew one on the second line but after a lovely run through Flight Deck prevailed in a driving finish.
The Invercargill club were quick to acknowledge the occasion with a presentation in the birdcage.
When it came to his turn to speak Clark was modest as always and was quick to express his gratitude to all the owners who had given him drives over the years.
“ I can't thank the trainers and owners enough for having the faith in me to put me up, especially in my younger days starting out.”
“ I need to acknowledge Maurice and Val Skinner who taught me so much when I was starting out and dad for giving me so many drives when I was a junior.”
“Finally I need to thank my wife Jackie and daughter Allie for their support over the years.”
“ When I was starting out, I never thought I would drive 1000 winners and its a huge thrill to have done it,” Clark said.
Clark is one of the nice guys of harness racing and we join with the wider harness racing community in conglatulating Clark on achieving the 1000 wins milestone.
Reference article on Clark Barron
Harnesslink Media
