Inter Dominion champion Im Themightyquinn who will parade at Gloucester Park on WA Derby night Photo by Bill Crabb
2012 V75 Inter Dominion champion, Im Themightyquinn will make a return to Gloucester Park this Friday night where the feature event is the $200,000 Group One Sky Racing WA Derby.
‘Quinny’ will parade at Gloucester Park and free posters of the champ will be handed out to everyone on course to commemorate and acknowledge his historic win in Australasia’s biggest harness racing event.
Im Themightyquinn was spelled immediately after his emotional hometown victory and has been having a well-earned rest, however trainer Gary Hall Sr., has had to bring his star pacer back into work because he was enjoying his break a little too much.
“He looked like a pregnant mare” joked Hall Sr.
“He was supposed to be out in the paddock for a couple of weeks longer, but he did so well I had to bring him back into work early”
It will be a big night for Hall, as he will gear-up star three-year-old Gracias Para Nada in the Group One Sky Racing Derby, one of the few features that has eluded the champion mentor.
“I haven’t won a Derby and it’s a race I would really like to win” explained Hall
But Hall may have to play second fiddle to his former ‘pupil’ Michael ‘Mouse’ Brennan, who recently left his position as Hall’s foreman to set up his own training complex and will line-up nominal favourite Im Victorious, who drew barrier one, with Gracias Para Nada in 10.
“Mouse’s horse has drawn well, but if we get any luck we can definitely win. Gracias was really strong on the line last Friday night after doing a lot of work in the run and the extra distance should be in our advantage” said Hall
In other Derby news, champion reinsman Chris Alford will partner Soho Valencia if the Victorian pacer can gain a birth on a flight to the West. Soho Valencia and Mr Nickel are both on stand-by for a flight to Perth tonight (Wednesday). Morgan Woodley has been booked to drive Mr Nickel by trainer Dean Braun.
The Gloucester Park gates open at 5pm (WAST) on Friday night, with the first of a big 10 race card scheduled for 5.50pm (WAST). Im Themightyquinn will parade after race five and the Group One Sky Racing WA Derby set to jump at 9.15pm (WAST).
