Harness racing amateur driver Peter Cook had his first driving success when reining home Bettor Backim at long odds in the first race at Rangiora today(Sunday).

Peter the secretary of the New Zealand Trainers and Drivers Association, gave eight year old gelding Bettor Backim (Bettor's Delight – Exotic Soky) a cozy run midfield on the fence before exploding up the inner and running away form the opposition in the run home. 

Bettor Backim won by more than three lengths and paced the 2600m journey in a slick 3:15.8 with a closing 800m in 58.9. 

Trainer Sue Blake trained the $239.00 quinella when Red Under Fire held on for second from the trail for driver Warren Frost who was also seeking his first amatuer winner.

Driver Jim Curtin reined a double when he was successful with both Coral Beach and She'sa Tricky Bridge. 

Coral Beach (Tintin In America – Beach Guest) was having her second start and was too strong for the opposition when leading all the way in quick time in Race 4.

She'sa Tricky Bridge (Stonebridge Regal – Itsa Trick), trained at Prebbleton by John McDermott, adopted front running tactics again for Jimmy and held on to beat the trailing horse Articulight by half a length.

Trainer Robbie Holmes also trained a double when he won the last two races with Redwood Invasion and The Kiwi Way.

Redwood Invasion (Sundon – Annsmenan) was confidently driven by Gerard O'Reilly, who thought Redwood Invasion was his best drive of the day. 

Gerard had the seven year old son of Sundon in front after 800m and he never faltered, winning easily from the trailing Belmonts Greatest.

The Kiwi Way was another to lead all the way when holding off the fast finish from English Rose in the last race of the day.

Out of the great mare and eleven race winner Kiwi Ingenuity, The Kiwi Way was driven to the lead early by driver Robbie Holmes and won in a time of 3:17.0 for the 2600m with a closing 800m in 58.9.

Earlier in the day Speedy Mach led all the way in the hands of Sheree Tomlinson to win his fourth race in the space of six starts.

Harnesslink Media