Kyabram trots trainer Mick Blackmore secured his second Gunbower Trotters Cup when talented mare Bitta Irish Luck produced a dominant front running exhibition on Sunday.
Driven for the first time by Ellen Tormey Bitta, Irish Luck stepped straight to the lead off a front row draw and defied all challengers from then on over testing 2630m trip.
Bred and owned by Kyabram’s Darrel Pell, Bitta Irish Luck has always been a smart trotter but has been frustrating for connections at times.
A rising five-year-old, the daughter of Father Patrick is a half sister to the former smart trotter Senitas Success, who won 17 races and Super Angus who has greeted the judge 15 times in South Australia.
Blackmore also won the same race in 2011 with My Mate Claudy.
– Paul Railton was another Kyabram trainer to enjoy success over the past week, scoring with the well bred and lightly raced gelding Marako Shark at last week’s Swan Hill meeting.
Trained and driven by Railton, Marako Shark outslogged his rivals after facing the breeze for the entire 2240m trip.
He had a bit of luck when My Rock Moves headed him turning for home before breaking stride,
A son of Four Starzzz Shark Maralo Shark, who was having only his seventh race start, is out of the eight times winning Ambro Operative mare Molly Pitcher who has left other good winners in Ayejayem (11 wins) and The Sportz Star (eight wins).