The 2020 Albion Park Harness Racing Club Summer Carnival is officially off to a flying start.
The metropolitan club hosted a 10-race program which included seven feature events and the action was fast and furious.
Under clear skies with a warm temperature, punters were treated to a great night’s entertainment, both on and off track including four lucky fans who each collected $5000 cash courtesy of the very generous support from major sponsor, Garrards Horse & Hound.
The Gr.2 $30,880 Darrell Alexander Memorial Trotting Championship Final was taken out by classy performer Majestic Simon following his brilliant beginning from his 10m handicap in the 2647m stand-start feature.
Prepared by Chantal Turpin and handled by her husband, Pete McMullen, the five-year-old completed the rare double of the Jim McNeil/DJA features in the same calendar year.
Raced by Pam Hopper and Ross Patrick, the Majestic Son gelding has now won 12 races with earnings edging closer to $100,000.
The main pacing event, the Gr.3 $30,660 Garrards Be Good Johnny Sprint was taken out by crowd favourite Colt Thirty One after sitting outside punters elect Turn It Up in the 1660m mobile start feature in a time of 1:51.9.
Trained and driven by leading horseman Grant Dixon, Colt Thirty One proved too strong for One Change and Turn It Up in a thrilling finish.
The Mach Three entire has won his past six starts and looks on target to defend his crown in the Gr.1 $175,660 TAB Blacks A Fake on Saturday week.
Raced by his breeders, Kevin and Kay Seymour, his earnings are getting closer to $1 million.
Colt Thirty One has now won 46 races with 41 of those coming via Albion Park.
The Gr.3 $30,660 Garrards QBRED For Life 3yo Features were taken out by Governor Jujon (Colts & Geldings) and Torque Onetwothree (Fillies).
Both winners were expertly handled by their respective reinsmen.
Governor Jujon (by Cammibest) is prepared by Grant Dixon while Wayne and Shane Graham combined with Torque Onetwothree (by Hurrikane Kingcole).
Both pacers are raced by long-time breeders and loyal owners, John Mammino and Ian Corazzol.
The Listed $25,660 Changeover Queen of the Creek was won in brilliant style by Chevrons Reward who finished stoutly to beat Rubies For Tash and Fame Assured in a time of 1:52.8.
Raced by Rob Jones, the Rocknroll Hanover mare is prepared by Charlie Cini and was handled by young Lachie Manzelmann.
The $21,160 The Creek 2yo Feature, New Zealand bred filly Dance In The Sun scored a decisive victory easily defeating Jasper and Frontliner in a time of 1:55.9.
The victory provided Chantal Turpin and Pete McMullen with a double for the opening night of the carnival.
Boasting three wins from four starts, the filly by A Rocknroll Dance looks set for a bright future.
And in the $21,270 AQWA Constructions APHRC Members Cup, former Newcastle pacer Always A Secret finished best to beat Virgil and Having The Faith in the 2138m feature.
Prepared by Cristina Monte and driven by Shane Graham, Always A Secret appreciated the solid speed throughout before racing clear from his rivals over the concluding stages.
Throughout the evening, APHRC Chairman David Fowler awarded Chris Garrard with life membership of the club following years of loyal support and sponsorship.
Congratulations CJ, thoroughly deserved.
Next week, features include the Gr.2 $50,660 Badcock Group of Companies Queensland Cup, Gr.3 $30,660 Prydes Easifeed Forever Gold Mares, Gr.3 $30,770 Ted & Edna Badcock Memorial 4yo Championship, $21,270 J.C McMullen, Listed $25,660 2yo Feature plus the Gr.3 AQWA Constructions $30,660 3yo Classics (Fillies plus Colts & Geldings).
Fields for next week will be released Tuesday afternoon.