Peter Hibberd, The Buloke Times

Even though it was only a 6-race program at Charlton last Monday, it will go down in history, as the track record for a mile rate was broken not only once, but twice. The time of 1-52.8 set by Ellas Puppeteer dates back to September 14, 2015. What was more amazing was that the two horses that broke that time are trained by the powerful Emma Stewart stable.

The first horse to break the record was in the opening race for the fast class horses. Miki to Success, only still lightly raced, was driven by Jackie Barker. It sat outside the leader and came away to an easy win.

After all the sectional times were adjusted, the official mile rate of 1-52.7 was declared. But it was in the third race that took everybody’s attention – two very promising 3-year-old pacers, the undefeated Look Perfect and In An Ideal World, which has won 3 races in its career. From the early part of the race, they were running at the front of the field. With quick early sectionals, the race broadcaster said if they keep going at this rate, they will give the track record a fright. Well fright they did. After an epic battle up the home straight, Looks Perfect came away to win by 2 metres in an adjusted time of 1-52.0. The winner was driven by former local Ryan Sanderson.

Other results

Race two: Night Whisperer, trained by the Ainsworth stable, after a run of second placings, returned to winning form with Ashley Ainsworth driving.

Race four: Salute To Sunny, a trotter that was on her last chance to show something for Horsham trainer Janet Excell, turned her form around by winning. Having not been placed in her previous 21 race starts, driver Kerryn Manning was back on the fence in the run, but used the sprint lane to get through and win at the big price of $34.00.

Race five: Ryan Sanderson completed a driving double with Yesnoletsgo. Had a good trail in the run and won quite easily. Only having its fifth race start, it will only get better with racing. Trained in Shepparton, it is amazing how many horses from that region come to Charlton and go home winners.

Race six: The locals were happy after the win of Fair Chance. Owned, trained and driven by local identities, it came a very strong finish to win. After winning recently at Melton, the amazing thing was the winning price of $12.00.

I think the club would be disappointed with only a six-race program, as there was plenty of nominations when they were issued. Next meeting: Monday, September 29.

Success

The continued success of trainers who have transferred to the Charlton Harness Training Centre continues to grow. This current season has seen a fight for “bragging rights”.

At the moment, Tori Hutchins has had 98 starters for 21 wins and 28 placings. Michael Gadsden has had 131 runners for 16 wins and 41 placings. Of Michael’s 41 placings, a big percentage of those were second placings. Followers of Charlton-trained horses would be having a good year.

See all the pictures in the issue.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 15 August 2025.