Sandersons savour double at old stomping ground

A return to familiar territory proved especially sweet for Victorian harness racing trainer Shane Sanderson and his son Ryan, who celebrated a winning double on a recent visit back to Charlton – highlighted by a poignant victory in memory of a respected former colleague.

“I did pick out the Vale Greg Norman VicBred Maiden Pace because it looked ideal for (three-year-old) Dallascowboy (American Ideal).  I actually had it in mind for a few weeks and thought it would be nice to win it,” Sanderson said.

“We’ve got a good opinion of the horse, and I think he should kick on a little bit with more race experience,” he said.

Before relocating to the picturesque conditioning, rehabilitation and spelling complex Willowood Farm at Murchison, near Shepparton, the former Qld and NSW based family was at the Charlton Harness Racing Training Centre.

It’s a period Sanderson remembers fondly.

“Greg was already at the training centre as well as Mick (Gadsden) and we all got our share of winners. We had some fun,” he said.

The club’s memorial race honoured the Group 1-winning horseman Norman, who passed away late last month following a battle with cancer.

Norman, 61, was held in high esteem throughout the industry, particularly around Charlton, where his passion for harness racing was well known.

“He was a harness racing tragic. The sport was his life and he just loved it,” Sanderson said.

“He was in it for a long time, and he had some very nice horses over the years.  They were always presented well and that was a credit to him.”

Norman trained 577 winners during his career and also enjoyed success in the sulky. The club noted he would be remembered for being the “first on the phone” to celebrate a local Charlton win. Those close to him fondly recall the storytelling and laughter shared over drinks at the Cricket Club Hotel.

The Sanderson family arrived at Charlton in March 2021.

“We stayed for three years, and Greg moved out a few months before us.  He went to Avenel where he trained for the Cormack boys, and we moved to Murchison,” Sanderson said.

Father-and-son completed their Charlton double when well-bred filly Secrets Kept (Poster Boy) landed the Community Bank Charlton and District Cup Day March 15 Pace.

After beginning well from the pole position, Ryan elected to later hand up the lead – a move that proved decisive. Secrets Kept charged up the sprint lane over the concluding stages to score in a slick 1:57.7.

For complete race results, click here.

by  Terry Gange for Harnesslink