Harness racing trainer Dennis Picker has tasted Group One success with talented mare Just Cala, but last Sunday’s win in the Tom and Angela Hewitt Memorial with the mare is his most rewarding victory.
Picker is the grandson of Tom and Angela Hewitt, with the memorial is a race the respected horseman has aimed at previously without luck.
“It was nice to finally win the race,” Picker declared. “It was an emotional one, but one that I will treasure. I spent a lot of time at Grandad’s place and he gave me a lot of help and advice when I first started out.
“I think it meant a bit to Mum (Jenna) too and the horse is owned by Joe (brother), so it was a real result for the family.”
Picker expected Just Cala to prove competitive in the event despite having won only once since resuming at the start of the year.
“She has been going well without a lot of luck,” Picker said. “I thought if she did what she has been doing against stronger opposition then she would be right in the finish.
“I had planned on giving her a break after she raced on Inter Dominion day in the Lady Drivers’ Invitational, but I noticed the race at Goulburn and thought I would give her one more run.”
Just Cala will look to defend the Breeders’ Crown title she won last season, but Picker is unsure what other races he will target with the daughter of Art Major.
“I will just wait and see which way we go with her,” Picker said. “She will have a couple of easy weeks now and it will give me a chance to have a look at what races are around for her.
“I’m working a team of 20, so it is pretty full on at the moment.
“I’m still not sure whether I will go to Queensland in the middle of the year like I did 12 months ago.”
-
HRNSW Media