This is my opinion only – some very big changes are needed in harness racing.
Peter Hibberd, The Buloke Times
Over recent months, with the decrease in prizemoney back to $4,000 per race, one particular club did not get enough nominations to have its meeting, which was surprising as it is one of the biggest harness areas in Victoria.
Another case was Charlton last Monday with only enough horses running for six races. Thanks to the Charlton Harness Training Centre and local area trainers, who supplied nearly 15 horses, without which, this meeting could have been in doubt. A lot of clubs are now having to run six race programs. It still costs the clubs basically the same amount of money whether it is 6, 7, 8 or 9 races. At least they are having a go!
I have been told two big stables have gone from the Sunraysia area to interstate for a lot better prizemoney.
HRV is running roadshows in four key areas of Victoria this month, wanting input from participants. Well, I know of one trainer who sent an email with what seemed to be a very good idea… No response. Will this be the same at these “roadshows”?
Charlton last Monday
Only a six-race program, but some very keen races for the lower class horses. One of the best wins of the day was a new horse to the Tori Hutchins stable, Jilliby Tidalwave. Only transferred recently and showed very good pace to run the fastest time of the day.
The Charlton Club and the family of the late Josie Harvey enjoyed the festivities and the running of the memorial race.
Results
Race one: Bendigo owner, trainer and driver, Glenn Bull, produced the quinella in the opening race with Fake Collection and Blue Ocean respectively. But it did not have the winning drive, it went to Ryan Backhouse. In this race the Josie Harvey memorial, it was very keenly contested with 5 ½ metres separating the first five horses.
Race two: A local quinella for trainers Tori Hutchins and Michael Gadsden, with Jillaby Tidalwave and Hungry Hogarth. Tori has only very recently taken over the training of this pacer. Jordan Leedham had the winning drive. One of the part-owners who was on course said she is over 90 years old and thoroughly enjoyed the win.
Race three: Another winner that recently changed stables was Faith Full. Now trained by Jamie Egan near Shepparton, has only a small team, has now won races at Charlton at his last few visits. Driven by Connor Chase, it sat behind the leader and came around them to score a good win.
Race four: With very good sectionals throughout the race, Valiente, who thrives in this type of race, basically had the race won on the final bend. Driven by a very good young lady driver, Tasmyn Potter, who has already driven 73 winners. She has only been driving since February 2023 and this was her first ever winner at Charlton.
Race five: Driver Jack Laugher took the drive of the day award with Oopzee Daizee. Sitting well back in the field, he made his move 900 metres from home. Worked around the field to find the lead and with horses behind him making errors, was left in front and scored comfortably.
Race six: Rod Barker said it’s a long way home to Hamilton, but after the win of Doctor Go Joh, driven by Jackie Barker, it would be enjoyable. Jackie was able to lead all the way, defeating two Robinvale pacers.
See all the pictures in the issue.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 6 June 2025.
