Everybody fondly remembers their first metropolitan winner. Whether you were the trainer, driver, groom or even the owner – the memories are vivid. Well, Brisbane based harness racing owner and Albion Park course photographer Dan Costello certainly won’t forget his maiden metro winner.
On Saturday night, his pacer Karloo Mac led throughout to score a comfortable victory in the Mercedes Benz Toowong Pace defeating Pepperall and Makinamove in a time of 1:58.4 for the 2138m event.
Most expected Costello to be behind the lens, but he wasn’t even there.
He wasn’t even in the state!
Following a mix-up with travel plans, Costello is currently on vacation and watched his pacer from the Wrest Point Casino in Tasmania.
“I was scheduled to go to Hong Kong for Winning Post and Best Bets to cover the Chairman’s Sprint, the race featuring Queensland star Buffering and Chautauqua but unfortunately there was a mix-up with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the media accreditation. With Saturday metro gallop racing at Toowoomba and Sunshine Coast over the past two weeks and no Hong Kong trip, I told my partner I would take her to Tasmania so here I am.” Costello explained.
Karloo Mac is the first harness horse raced by Costello after talented young horseman Trent Moffat asked one day if he was interested in taking a share in the going pacer.
The Art Major gelding has now won 12 races overall and 5 for his current connections.
Moffat is currently suspended and his boss Grant Dixon stepped in to take the winning drive.
“It’s been great racing this horse with Trent, he showed initiative when he asked me if I was interested and I was happy to join him in racing the gelding and we’ve had a heap of fun. I cheered loudly and I’m certain the security at the casino the other night frowned upon me with my wild celebrations.
“I now have shares in three other horses with Trent including Rocknroll Amber, a filly we bought from last year’s APG sale but she’s proving to be a very naughty little lady currently. Does everything right in training but just not on race day, I actually gave a share of this filly to my father as a birthday present so hopefully she’ll turn it around soon.
“I bought into another yearling from the sale again this year, a full brother to talented type Cheval Zeppenology and Trent said shares are still available in him while we’ve got another going horse from New South Wales in Treuaper. I think its great fun and I’m also involved in the Albion Park syndicate that races Royal Taz.”
Costello returns from his well-deserved break this weekend.
And Karloo Mac returns to Albion Park this Saturday in search of another victory and if successful, rest assured that Costello will have his own photo taken this time.
by Chris Barsby