Top South Australian harness racing trainer-driver Ryan Hryhorec is doing his part for ‘Movember’ but admits growing a moustache is testing him.
“It is very itchy, and I have to say it is a bit annoying,” Hryhorec said, “but it is for a great cause, so I’m delighted to be involved.”
On Saturday night, he was happy to wear the colours representing the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and came away driving three winners – Jakarras Ace and Doubledipofheaven for himself, and La Machnificent for Aaron Bain.
The Movember promotion has also coincided with a run of winners for Hryhorec including five in a day early in the month, and, after Saturday, he sat third on the SA drivers’ premiership with 29 winners, three behind leader Jayden Brewin, and second on the local trainers’ premiership with 13 winners, one behind the now dissolved partnership of Jake Webster and Aaron Bain.
Following his training double on Saturday, Hryhorec, the 2016/17 Jim Hurley Medal winner, said after a lean October, his stable was now nearing capacity again with new horses arriving from interstate.
He said Jakarras Ace was getting back to his best form following his win in the Ubet Pace (1800m).
A $4.80 chance, Jakarras Ace led early from gate seven before handing up midrace to Bee Gees Bandit ($1.70 fav), then sprinting home strongly to run down the favourite and score by six metres.
“I have always liked him.” Hryhorec said. “He only cost $1000 and has already won more than $14,000.
“I wasn’t happy with him earlier in the month but knew something must not be quite right. I’ve made a couple of gear changes and he now looks like his is back on track. I’m hoping he can continue through the classes.”
Hryhorec had to wait to the last race, the SAHRC AGM November 28 Pace (1800m) to bring up his training double with Doubledipofheaven, owned by his partner Kerri Stauwer.
“He is an exciting horse to drive when he is right because he has such a brilliant sprint.
“Tonight, he was great, he really powered home over the final 100 metres.”
Hryhorec said Doubledipofheaven had the speed to lead from any draw on the front row but found if he was used early could be a bit susceptible over the final stages.
“There is no doubt he is much better when held up early, given a smother back in the field, then come late.”
That is exactly what the trainer-driver did on Saturday.
He eased early from barrier six to settle at the tail of the field.
When the tempo lifted over the final lap, rather than come wide, Hryhorec stayed inside improving his position before coming out turning for home.
When the leaders were battling for victory, suddenly, Doubledipofheaven ($2.30 fav) appeared down the outside dashing past his rivals to score easily by 2-1/2 metres from Artegra ($9.20) with Rocking With Charm ($7.10), three metres away third.
Graham Fischer