Premiership battle heats up as Langley and Yole strike doubles

Tasmania’s fiercely contested trainers’ premiership race tightened even further over the weekend, with the state’s leading harness racing trainers, Tammy Langley and Wayne Yole, both preparing doubles at Hobart’s Elwick meeting on Sunday. 

Langley continued her outstanding season when Hammering Seas ($12) kicked off her double before Ashante Queen ($5) added a second victory later on the program. 

Not to be outdone, Yole matched Langley’s effort with victories from Mista Eagle ($6) and We Salute You ($6), capping off a successful few days for the stable. 

The Brighton-based horseman had already enjoyed a winning double at Friday night’s Mowbray meeting, where Gee Young and Lalibela both saluted. Those victories helped Yole close the gap on Langley before Sunday’s meeting, and his Elwick success now sees the premiership race separated by just a single win. 

Langley currently leads the trainers’ premiership with 49 winners for the season, while Yole sits right behind her on 48 victories. 

The battle has added another fascinating chapter to a rivalry that has dominated Tasmanian racing in recent years. Yole has claimed the past two state trainers’ premierships, with Langley finishing runner-up on both occasions. 

Despite that, Langley has cemented her place as Tasmania’s leading female trainer, capturing the state’s leading female trainer title in each of the past three seasons. Her standout campaign came last season when she prepared an impressive 107 winners. 

With several months remaining in the racing season, both trainers appear well on track to once again reach the coveted 100-win milestone, setting the stage for an enthralling finish to the premiership race. 

by Gary Newton for Harnesslink