After clocking up some kilometres this harness racing season Uralla trainer Mitch Faulkner is pleased to have a race meeting only 20 minutes drive from his home base.
Faulkner will have two runners engaged in the Smith Sharpe & Abbott Chartered Accountants 3YO Pace at Sunday’s Armidale Harness Racing Club meeting.
So far this season, Faulkner has had runners compete at Menangle, Bathurst, Newcastle and Canberra as well as supporting the local meetings in the North West.
“It is good to see the two meetings at Armidale – it doesn’t happen enough for us,” Faulkner said.
Monterei Bay has drawn the five barrier in the 1980m event with Faulkner electing to take the reins himself behind the Bettor's Delight gelding, who previously undertook his racing in Victoria before coming to the Uralla stables in February.
“He trialled on Tuesday night at Tamworth and won easy – hopefully he can put it together in the race,” Faulkner said of the gelding, who has had 14 starts for six placings, but as yet no wins.
For owners Jeff Dawson and Theresa Evans it is a welcome return to the sport.
“Jeff and Theresa have been out of the game for a little while – they raced Under The Elms – but we found this horse for them about six weeks ago,” Faulkner said.
“Hopefully the horse can put it together and we will give him a start in the $10,000 Golden Horseshoe next week.”
Faulkner has engaged the services of Queensland reinsman Ricky Gordon to take the drive behind stablemate Ryabby, who will start from the 11 barrier.
“He is just coming back from a spell – hopefully he will get around alright this week and he will be ready for the Golden Horseshoe as well,” he said of the Mr Feelgood gelding.
Faulkner is in for a late night on Saturday night with Yellow Taxi contesting the Sky Racing Pace at Newcastle’s night meeting.
“He has been going alright and he had a tough run at Inverell last start,” he said.
Sunday’s eight race meeting will precede the big Carnival of Cups meeting the following Sunday, which will feature four $10,000 races including the time honoured Golden Horseshoe for three year olds and the Armidale Cup.
By Julie Maughan
