Young harness racing trainer Chris Butt rocked punters yesterday (Sunday) when he trained and drove Imran Khan to win the second race at Rangiora as an unwanted outsider on the TAB tote.
Imran Khan (Pegasus Spur – Maysoon) was having his fourteenth start as a maiden trotter but never looked like losing when he led shortly after the start and held a clear advantage into the home straight.
Chris Butt rated the five year old gelding to perfection in front and only had to keep the horses mind on the job up the lane as he held on well to beat Bright Glow and Ian Cameron by a length at the line.
The 2600m journey was trotted in a solid 3-24.7 with a closing 800m in 60.6 seconds.
Imran Khan paid $55.50 for the win and $12.00 for a place and provided a $318.00 quinella with the second placed Bright Glow.
Imran Khan winning easily at Rangiora
All going well Imran Khan will have his next start on the grass surface at Methven next Sunday.
Later in the day junior driver Ben Laughton notched up his first winning drive, when successful behind the Robbie Holmes trained The Golden Boy in a twelve horse maiden field. The Golden Boy powered straight to the front from the mobile and held on easily to beat Airpark Flyer and Dexter Dunn. The time for the 2600m was 3-23.6 with a final 800m in 59.0 seconds.
Harnesslink Media