Kerryn Manning (centre) accepts the International All Star Series winner's trophy.
“It has been a pleasure to be involved, an honour to be invited and amazing to be able to win,” and with that Kerryn Manning accepted the first International All Star Series title.
The Victorian champion sealed the series with a seventh placing at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday, when the 22nd and final race was held among Pryde’s EasiFeed Great Southern Star night.
Her success and accumulated 165.5 points also helped The Vics eclipse The World team 719 to 712, despite New Zealand’s Dexter Dunn (158) and US driver Brett Miller (152.5) enjoying outstanding weeks to fill out the minor placings.
“I started slow but got a bit of momentum up as the week went on and have had a very good week,” Manning said.
In fact the Great Western trainer-driver was last on the leaderboard after day one with 15 points, but a victory at Echuca on Tuesday on day two and three second placings at Maryborough on day three soon had Manning back in contention.
Two victories on both days four (Ballarat) and five (Bendigo) gave Manning a 10.5-point lead over Dunn heading into the final day, which would prove unassailable.
“It has been fun and exciting and I’ve met a lot of great people,” Manning said.
“The visitors are just lovely people and the locals have been one happy family, I suppose you could call it, especially on that bus we go around on.
“It’s been a highlight all week and it’s sad that it’s finished but I think I’m required back at home so I better head home and do some work.”
HRV General Manager – Operations Vaughn Lynch said the series had been a terrific showcase of outstanding drivers from local and abroad and of the state’s country clubs.
“We’ve seen a treat of racing,” Lynch said. “I’d like to thank everyone who took part, and their lovely partners, and commend them on what a fantastic week it has been.”
Manning said the series could not have been such an amazing journey without the support of many.
“I’d like to thank all the trainers who put horses in for us to drive and all the tracks that hosted,” she said. “They put on a great show for us every day we travelled around and they made it most enjoyable.”
International All Star Series day seven leaderboard: Kerryn Manning 165.5, Dexter Dunn 158, Brett Miller 152.5, Greg Sugars 150, Chris Alford 145.5, Yannick Gingras 143.5, Jason Lee 140.5, Anthony Butt 130.5, Corey Callahan 127.5, Gavin Lang 117.5.
Overall leaderboard: Victoria 719, The World 712.
Media enquiries:
MICHAEL HOWARD
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS CO-ORDINATOR
HARNESS RACING VICTORIA
PO BOX 184, MOONEE PONDS, VIC 3039
400 EPSOM ROAD, FLEMINGTON, VIC 3031
t: 03 8378 0286 | f: 03 9214 0699 | e: mhoward@hrv.org.au
www.hrv.org.au
