Marcus Hearl's last drive

After more than 50 years in the sulky, popular South Australian harness identity Marcus Hearl may have driven his last race.

Hearl, 73, was talking after his trotter Bold Law won the Point Pass Hotel Trotters Handicap (2220m) at Kapunda.

A $3.80 chance, Bold Law, driven by Michael Smith, scored a 7-1/2 metre win from Hard Done By ($2.10 fav) with Joekenn ($5.10) a further 4-1/2 metres away third.

“I’ve had a good innings and it is time to let the younger blokes take over,” Hearl said.

“I tend to get a bit worked up before driving so I think it is better I give it away.

“Michael (Smith) and Matthew (Jacques) have been driving for me and they do a good job.”

Hearl said his last drive had been a fourth on Bold Law at Globe Derby Park on May 16.

The popular personality, and former president of the Kapunda Harness Racing Club, said his first winner as a driver had been on Dusty Meadow at Kadina on April 14, 1964.

His last victory in the sulky was on Boundary Row at Globe Derby Park on June 24, 2013.

“I’ve driven a number of placings since then but have had other reinsman aboard when the horses have won.”

Hearl said Dusty Meadow held special affection as his first winner.

“He was a very good pacer but the best horse I have driven was the trotter Atlantic Star.

“He was a horse which could make mistakes but would just keep grinding. He won a Dullard Cup, Ararat Cup, Stawell Cup and won at Wayville, the Melbourne Showgrounds and Harold Park.”

Hearl said Old Rocky and Bute Boy were other good winners.

“I’m down to just having Bold Law in the stable. I may renew my driver’s licence next season, just in case, but at this point I don’t think I will drive again.

“I’m thinking of heading to Western Australia for a bit of a break and taking just one horse is a lot easier than taking two or three.”

At Kapunda, Smith settled Bold Law in second spot before taking him to the lead coming off the back straight.

The four-year-old lengthened his lead and hit the line strongly to score comfortably.

Graham Fischer