Denbeigh Wade and Michael Gadsden with Terang Trotters Cup winner Ainthatrightmacca.
With a bristling burst down the sprint lane Ainthatrightmacca produced the greatest thrill of two emerging young trots careers.
Partners Michael Gadsden (trainer) and Denbeigh Wade (driver) claimed the Barastoc Terang Trotters Cup by 2.9m, saluting with the horse they own and have nursed back from a long-term injury.
“It’s unbelievable,” Gadsden said. “He’s the first trotter we’ve had.”
Wade held the lead from gate two until Greg Sugars came knocking on Charming Lavra with a tick under a mile to run, with Ainthatrightmacca holding leader’s back until the sprint lane opened.
While Savannah Jay Jay and Uncas chased the leader on the outside, Wade saved ground, slipping inside and claiming the win in a 2:04.4 mile rate.
Much credit belonged to the driver, Gadsden said.
“It’s unreal. Just to watch (Denbeigh) do what she loves. She loves the driving, I used to do a little bit but I’ve stepped aside and let her go now,” he said.
“We do all the work at home together and then come race day I pass her the reins and she just does the job. They all want to get up and run for her.”
And that they did tonight, reward for the couple who have been long committed to the sport.
“I grew up in Robinvale,” Gadsden said. “Dad always had a couple of horses. I got through and finished school, about a week later I came down and started working with Peter Manning.
“I spent two or three years there, Denbeigh followed and started working with Kerryn (Manning).
“We’ve just started to branch off on our own at the minute and it’s been a good journey.”
It’s a journey that has plenty of ground left to cover, but at the very least Ainthatrightmacca has added some early polish.
“He had been out for nearly 12 months or so when we got him. We took him on and have had him about five months now and he’s just been getting better and better.”
Media enquiries:
Michael Howard (HRV Media/Communications Co-Ordinator)
t: 03 8378 0286 | e: mhoward@hrv.org.au | tw: @MichaelRHoward
