Talented young Tasmanian Harness Racing reinsman Matthew Howlett clinched his second harness racing Youngbloods Challenge at the UBET Racing Centre in Launceston on Sunday night in what was one of the closest finishes in the series' 30-year history.
Howlett guided Spot Eight to victory in the fifth heat of the series to earn maximum points (16) and in the sixth and final heat he partnered Bona Fide Hustler into fourth place to earn just enough points (7) to emerge the victor with 52 points.
He finished one point clear of Nicholas Brockman and Wade Rattray who dead-heated for second on 51 while Samantha Gangell was next best on 43 points.
In 2013 Howlett was 16 years and 10 months when he became the youngest ever winner of the competition that is restricted to drivers under the age of 23.
Howlett was seven points off the pace going into the final two heats and gave himself little hope of winning as both of his drives were at double figure odds.
Spot Eight won paying $13.50, much to the displeasure of punters who regarded The Real Reverend a good thing, backing the previously unbeaten gelding in to start the $1.30 favourite.
The second heat also went to an outsider, with Wade Rattray's drive The Last Guy Standing ($17.80) finishing too powerfully for the favourite Finn Mac Kee (Brockman).
Howlett clinched the title courtesy of a heady drive to finish fourth aboard Bona Fide Hustler that travelled three-back the fence but was snagged back to last when the leader Rusty Red Comet capitulated in the back straight.