Record; Washakie becomes the first pacer to win the Treuer Memorial on three occasions.
Millionaire pacer Washakie raced his way into the record books after scoring his third straight victory in the Gr.1 $100,000 BTRC – Allied Express M H Treuer Memorial at Bankstown tonight.
The Queensland trained star becomes the first pacer to win the Grand Circuit event three years in succession.
Sent out as the punter's elect, Washakie made light of his second-row draw and quickly stamped his dominance on the race when he controlled the race despite sitting parked for the majority of the 2540m event.
Trainer/driver John McCarthy moved Washakie forward early in the race and seemed content racing on the outside of leader Mach Wiper with the lead time in a leisurely 70.9 seconds.
The first half was covered in 61 seconds after sections of 30.8 and 30.2 as Mach Wiper led the way while Washakie raced without cover.
The first move in the race came from Gavin Fitzpatrick aboard Rohan Home who started a three-wide run with approximately 1000m left to run, Mach Wiper and Washakie both quickened while Our High Octane and Hesa Buzzin both raced hard on the back of the leaders.
Heading off the back straight for the final time, Washakie loomed dangerously alongside Mach Wiper and applied strong pressure in a third quarter section of 28.4 seconds.
McCarthy sent the favourite clear upon straightening, Mach Wiper rallied strongly to hold second just in front of Hesa Buzzin and Feels Like Magic who finished stoutly for his fourth placing.
Washakie proved to be a decisive winner and left his rivals eating his dust while pacing the final quarter in 28.8 seconds.
The mile rate was 1;59.8, well outside of the race record of 1;57.9 set by Christian Cullen back in 1998.
“He's been a great little horse, he's a tough little bugger who deserves his place in the record books.” McCarthy declared.
“He travelled very well within himself and I was confident in running, he kicked strongly when I called on him and sprinted well up the straight.
“I think we'll head to Melbourne now before we head west for the carnival at Gloucester Park, it's going to be a busy time but he deserves his chance in all these big races.”
McCarthy has mapped out a lucrative Perth campaign including the Gr.1 WA and Fremantle Cups in January before tackling the Inter Dominion Pacing Championship starting on February 17.
Washakie is raced by Perth businessmen Kevin Jeavons, Gino Monaco and Lindsay Severn.
The Badlands Hanover gelding has now 40 races from his 106 lifetime starts while his earnings now stand in excess of $1.25 million.
Team McCarthy have now won four of the last six Treuer Memorials with Washakie scoring in the last three editions while Slipnslide also won the event in 2005.
