Kacie’s chase falls short on pace

A COUPLE of close encounters provided an entertaining start to the Tasmania harness season in Hobart last night.

Ben Yole, last season’s leading trainer, began in the best possible way, winning race one after Regal Major held off a strong finish from Lockaway Kacie.

Driver Samantha Gangell had Regal Major in front after the first and second quarter of the 2090 metre race with Lockaway Kacie following close behind.

In the last quarter Lockaway Kacie closed the lead to two metres and it looked like the Paul Williams-trained mare would come home for the win.

Going down the home straight Lockaway Kacie came hard and nudged in front but Regal Major came back late to regain the lead and take out the win by a head.

Gangell was surprised how easily she was able to get the lead early in her drive.

“I didn’t think I would get the lead as easily as I did,” Gangell said.

“It made it easier for the horse because he did not have to do as much work.”

The finish was so close that Gangell wasn’t sure if she had got the win.

“I wasn’t sure if I had got home in the end,” she said.

“He hung on really well.”

The race named the David Medhurst Memorial Pace was a special win for Gangell who knew the Tasmania trainer and driver who passed away in 2013.

“It was great to win that race for him,” Gangell said.

The second event of the night had similarities to the previous race, with Ben Yole winning again after his horse Hear The Call held on in a photo finish.

Hear The Call raced a very similar run to Regal Major with the Robert Walter-driven gelding gaining the lead early but needing to overcome Jilliby Gigi late.

Dellas Command went out hard in race three but ran out of gas late and finished fourth.

The Todd Rattray-trained and driven Full Speed Ahead finished strong to take out the victory with Liv Lavish coming second and Stylish Trend third.

Todd Rattray had another win later in the night when he drove La Ebony Kita to victory in race five.