IT COULDN’T have finished on a better note.
That was the statement from prominent industry identity Duncan McPherson when discussing last night’s Tabcorp Park Melton meeting.
As a purist, McPherson was always going to enjoy the all-trotting program, but the evening also honoured his late wife with the Lyn McPherson Memorial Breed For Speed Finals.
The features marked the end of the Teal Pants campaign – a fundraiser for ovarian cancer which has been conducted nationally since February 1.
Capping the occasion was the last quinella on the card – Aldebaran Eve and Aldebaran Ay M - both bred at McPherson’s Aldebaran Park stud and agistment establishment.
“To finish the Victorian leg of the Teal Pant campaign with a homebred quinella was an awesome outcome,” McPherson said. “It topped the night off perfectly.
“The entire night was just phenomenal and an outstanding result for the campaign.
“Our reinswomen have done an amazing job during the past 39 days to raise money and awareness for ovarian cancer.
“On top of that, I heard from former HRV worker Brant Dunshae who watched the whole night beamed on ATG while having breakfast in Scandinavia, which is huge for the trotting brand in Victoria.
“He wasn’t just watching the races, ATG was also showing the on course interviews and presentations which is massive.”
As for the winner, Aldebaran Eve was driven by Gavin Lang for astute horseman Anton Golino, who also prepared the first four past the finish in the Need For Speed Princess Final.
By Aldebaran Park’s resident stallion Skyvalley, the mare rated 1:59.2 for the 1720-metre trip.