Hobby harness racing trainer Ben Richardson had plenty of reasons to smile after the only horse he has in work, Wasonie Snake, delivered the goods in a C1 event over 1680 metres at the Luxbet Racing Centre in Launceston on Sunday night.
In fact he had 31 reasons because Richardson was able to secure $31 at fixed odds to win the race.
Wasonie Snake was given a gun run by ace reinsman Ricky Duggan who landed the gelding in the one-out-one-back spot before letting him strode to the lead leaving the back straight then packed to many guns for his rivals to score by four metres from the $2.30 favourite Bona Fide Hustler.
"The horse has been a good money-spinner for me. He's only had 13 starts since I've had him for two wins and he's always thereabouts," Richardson said.
"I've got his three-year-old brother but he's hasn't started yet."
Richardson acquired Wasonie Snake from his previous trainer Ben Yole who won a race with him over two years ago and again he was at a big price ($25).
He won his first race for Richardson in August last year at odds of around $16 and with sound form going into this latest assignment he was backed in from $31 to start at $10.
"I must admit I was surprised at his price but glad to take it."
Richardson, 38, is based at Campania in the south of the state and he is intent on remaining a hobby trainer.
Peter Staples