Ryal Bush harness racing trainer Brett Gray knows that when Australian owner Merv Butterworth sends him horses it's generally for a short time.
It doesn't bother him though, because he just feels privileged to be training for one of Australiasian's biggest players. So when Jimmy Mack won today in record time at Winton it could have been one of his last runs in the Gray colours.
“He and G I Joe are Melbourne bound. Not 100 per cent when. We’ll see what Merv says but the longer would be better. To get horses like Jimmy Mack and G I Joe in the stable is great. I don’t often get horses like that,” Gray said after Jimmy Mack beat another Australian owned pacer in Bettor Ops by a neck.
Gray had four runners in today's pacing feature – The High Roller (8th), Young Conqueror (9th), G I Joe (4th) and Jimmy Mack.
“I thought he (Jimmy Mack) was the one for today. But every time he comes to Winton he gets a bit het up.”
G I Joe was the favourite after it was widely publicised that he'd beaten both Jimmy Mack and Tas Man Bromac in the workout on the track last Friday. He'd in fact finished third behind them respectively.
In the hotly contested Marshall Industries Mobile Pace Jimmy Mack took an early lead before handing up to Tas Man Bromac with a lap to run. Tas Man Bromac took the field to the top of the straight where Jimmy Mack was given a run up the passing lane. Bettor Ops made his run down the middle of the track. At the finish Jimmy Mack held on to beat a game Bettor Ops by a neck with a nose back to Tas Man Bromac who was having his first race since October last year.
Jimmy Mack (6) beating Bettor Ops (7) and Tas Man Bromac (8) – Photo Bruce Stewart
The winning time of 2-54.0 was a new track and Southland record for colts and geldings for the 2400 metres mobile. The previous record of 2-54.1 was jointly held by Robyn's Bad Boy and Rocking Robyn. Nek Time holds the All-Comers record of 2-53.0.
The win today takes Brett Gray's training tally for the season to 20; three in front of Nathan Williamson on 17.
“I’m not big on that sort of thing. If it happens it happens. Chasing stuff like that can get out of control. Nathan's a good mate so it doesn’t worry me,” Gray said about winning the Southland Training Premiership.
Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing