Tamworth trainer Tony Missen kicked off the 2017/18 season with training a winning double at last Friday’s Tamworth harness racing meeting.

Belubula was on debut for the stables in the Michael Brown Maiden Pace while Hes Our Boy continued on his good form, after taking out the Quirindi Cup at the Quirindi Show the previous week, winning the NSWSOA & Cobbitty Equine Pace.  

“I was lucky I had two brilliant drivers today that’s what won the day,” Missen said.

Paul Grima was engaged to take the reins behind Belubula and Tom Ison handled Hes Our Boy. A former western districts pacer, Belubula, also notched up her first career win from 10 starts.

“I think she will be a nice mare when the penny drops and she learns how to race – she is still very green.

“Paul got the best out her – we only wanted to get away safe,” Missen said.

Grima – who was wearing the second set of NSW Standardbred Owner Association colours – the major sponsor for the day –  was rapt with Belubula’s efforts.

“She did look good on her trial form but she can do things wrong,” he said.

On Friday he guided her through the field after commencing from the eight barrier.

“Coming off the second line she could settle in and then let her come home,” he said.

“The run was very similar to the first trial I drove her in and there was a strong head wind today. I didn’t want to hook out but I had no choice.”

With Misty Jane (Lola Weidemann) leading the field Grima found himself four back in the outside running line before making a three wide run in the back straight on the final occasion.

“The horse in front was slowing up so while the momentum was going I just kept driving her,” he said.

“I knew she would find the line as she did that in the trial.”

Belubula pulled away in the home straight for a 4.2m win over Campbell Best (Richard Williams) with Narcissist (Ellen Rixon) another 3.8m away third.

“I had them covered I thought down the home straight,” Grima added.

Tom Ison then had his second career win behind Hes Our Boy after guiding the Tinted Cloud gelding to a win at Newcastle back in July.

“Tom – what can I say but what a beautiful drive by Tom,” chimed Missen.

With Tyco (Dean Chapple) leading the field Hes Our Boy raced three back on the inside running line.

Ison decided to switch Hes Our Boy to the outside running line as the bell sounded before racing three wide and coming away for a 1.7m win over Risky Business (Courtney Sutherland). Artistica Uno (Peter Hedges) was another 11.9m away third.

“Tony said he has got a nice little sprint on him,” Ison added.

By Julie Maughan

Reprinted with permission of The Northern Daily Leader