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I failed to mention how meritorious the winner was ie Skylou.1.56.3 mile rate is really moving and much faster than the previous year (mile rate 1.58.8). It was probably a race record. Essentially a great staying performance, wonder if Skylou could be the one to mix it with the big guns in the slot races.
That was a good finish by Rolling Fire
Good point. Very good horse. A fair way from the winner but it’s hard not to see Rolling Fire being competitive in some good races. I have the impression he will be one horse that strengthens with maturity.
$450k is a lot of money in the harness world
A travesty if Storm doesn't get his name on the honour roll as he has been best in the west for 18 months by a gap (except Shockwave who we barely get to see in action).
There was always going to be a protest if he JJM could run 2nd.
I am off to bed - will read about it in the morning
Dismissed
12m margin we should have been in bed 30 mins ago. Will chip in for De Campos fine though
Magnificent horse!
My take on the race:
Magnificent Storm spent the entire first bend trying to cross Jumpingjackmac. De Campo showed no intention of easing, yet McDonald kept trying to hold MS out. Contact was made when De Campo eventually crossed, yet JJM was not "knocked down" as Snr claimed mearly mixed its gait for a few strides before regaining the run of the race.
The subsequent protest was, um, ambitious and optimistic. MS sprinted clear of the field in the straight to win by 12.7 metres. This, in a Grand Circuit event and WA's premier race.
Snr's outburst and claims in the steward's room were both outrageous and unfactual. Just watch the replay if you disagree. Snr calling De Campo a cheat is highly unprofessional coming from a once-respected trainer (his stocks with me now amount to zero). His claim that MS could not win if it had to sit in the death is plainly ridiculous given the manner in which the horse won and the early petrol it consumed to lead. If Snr thought JJM could win, you would expect it to have finished a lot closer than 12.7 metres.
The only truth spoken during Snr's rant was by Ray William's during his brief, to the point, interruption.
De Campo did cause interference, compounded by McDonald's blind compliance with his trainer's instructions. He deserved a suspension, likely to be reduced on appeal. Six weeks seems a bit excessive,royally given with some added mayonnaise to appease the raging Snr.
The stewards handled the protest well and earned their pay, dealing with a licence who's demeanour suggested he is in charge of WA trots. As for Snr, pull your boof head mate and publicly apologise for your behaviour.
Snr is the elder statesman of WA trotting. Compare his arrogant, disrespectful behaviour with the Fred Kersley and you quickly draw the conclusion only one of them is deserving of "legendary" status.
All of these shenanigans greatly detracted from Magnificent Storm's wonderful win.