When it comes to tight track harness racing the Weidemanns take command.
The reigning champion at the Royal Queensland Show, Lola Weidemann got off to a flying start to defend her title, winning two of the three Ekka harness racing finals raced so far at this year's show.
The other final was won by her niece Stacey Weidemann with all three horses trained by Lola’s sister and Stacey’s aunty, Julie Weidemann.
Lola Weidemann won the Friday night Final driving Ghost Gum (Jet Laag – Eagle Street) with the striking 3yo grey pacer finding the lead early to go unheaded over the four laps of the 1609 metre standing start pace.
On Saturday Lola and Stacey Weidemann shared the heat wins with Aviators Dream, Mister Armageddon and Mac Sweet winning, then on Saturday night Stacey made it three wins for the day steering Aviators Dream (Mr. Aviator – Milady Bistro) to victory in the Final.
On Sunday, the heat wins were shared around a little more evenly between the stables supporting the show. In front of the big weekend crowd Dutch Cream (Steve Burke) won heat one, Blessed Is The Boy (Narissa McMullen) took out heat two and Jacks A Smarty (Stacey Weidemann) won the third heat.
Then on Sunday night with the stands around the main arena full to capcity, Lola Weidemann was back in the winner’s circle winning the day's final on last year’s Grand Final winner Lonesome Mach (Mach Three – Little Pheobe).
The Weidemann’s are on track to win their fourth Final at the Ekka with two heat winners this afternoon and three runners in tonight’s final.
Heat one today went to Emargee (Ricky Gordon).
Heat two was won by Mister Armageddon (Lola Weidemann) and the third heat went to Mac Sweet (Lola Weidemann).
Harness Racing continues all week at the Ekka with the $10,000 Garrard's – Big Dog Grand Final raced on Sunday.
David Aldred