The Ian Gurney trained Avonnova lines up in the 2014 Miracle Mile Photo by Dan Costello - Racing Wrap
Ian Gurney is no stranger to the Miracle Mile.
That may shock many, but not those close to him.
The hobby trainer from Chambers Flat, south of Brisbane, is a die-hard supporter of the code while his brothers and family friends also enjoy a day watching their thoroughbred’s race.
But that’s not for Gurney; a night at the trots makes much more appeal than a day at the races.
And he’s slowly winning the battle with his relatives.
The Gurney families, who operate a successful earthmoving business in Brisbane, have been involved in racing for decades, time split amongst both codes and with good success.
Just recently, Ian coaxed his brothers into taking shares into a few young horses and struck instantly with success in the Gr.1 $100,000 Nursery Pace 2yo Fillies Final with Smooth Showgirl at Albion Park back in May.
“I’ve got them interested in the trots and now they’re spending some money with me on the harness horses rather than pouring it all into the gallopers, don’t get me wrong, they still love the gallopers but they’re also learning that the harness horses can be a lot of fun too.” Gurney said.
Avonnova, a free-legged pacer bought for a song out of a claimer in Sydney twelve months ago, is playing a vital role in the renaissance of the Gurney family in the Standardbred world.
The reigning Queensland Harness Horse of the Year takes on his biggest challenge tomorrow night when he lines up in the Gr.1 $750,000 SEW Eurodrive Miracle Mile at TABCORP Park, Menangle against seven of the best invited pacers in this part of the world.
Avonnova secured his invitation to Australasia’s premier speed test following his track record breaking victory in the Gr.2 $75,000 Newcastle Mile three weeks ago.
The track record previously belonged to Beautide who set a mark of 1;52.6 when successful last year.
But this is not a foreign road in which Gurney travels.
In fact, this is the fourth starter for Gurney in the great race after previously sharing in the ownership of the ill-fated former North American Lisagain and Raglan who both contested the 2011 version while Mach Alert raced in the 2013 edition.
The results haven’t been great so far but Gurney is super excited saying he’s happy to be in such a great event again.
And he’s realistic when assessing his chances.
“This is a Miracle Mile; it’s such an honour and huge thrill to be involved in this race because everybody wants to be a part of this great event. I haven’t had any luck to date but things can only improve, you have to be in it to win it.
“I know I’m not the favourite and I realize we’re racing against some of the best pacers in the world but I can’t be happier with him, his form is outstanding and he’s great within himself so he’ll run his normal honest race.
“Beautide deserves to be favourite because he’s a freak and he beat us last time we raced in the Len Smith Mile but I strongly believe my guy has improved a lot since that day.”
The Art Major gelding has drawn ideally in gate two and holds a key role in the mapping of the race because of his brilliant gate speed.
But the Shane Tritton duo of Easy On The Eye and Suave Stuey Lombo could make things interesting for reinsman Shane Graham.
“I’m sure Shaney will drive his normal race; he’s driving better than most right now and I believe he’s gone to a higher level since he’s been behind him. We don’t have to lead to win but he showed how good he is when leading when he thumped them at Newcastle last start.
“I’m expecting to be in front but that just my thoughts and I haven’t gone into any discussion with Shaney yet about tactics. If Easy On The Eye does hold us, I don’t think we’d hand over to Suave Stuey Lombo which makes things interesting.”
Gurney, a proud Queenslander, will have plenty of support going into the Miracle Mile but it’s his brothers and close friends that will cheer the loudest.
