By MATT NICHOLLS
A FIVE-HOUR trip from the Hunter paid dividends for Elrington trainer Margot Lennox as her in-form pacer Dan recorded a gutsy win in the Armidale Pacing Cup (2360m).
The former New Zealander made it three wins in a row in the $10,000 feature event, sponsored by harness breeders Pepper Tree Farm.
Driven a treat by Clayton Harmey, who made the trip north with Lennox, Dan sat outside the leader for most of the race before winning by a head.
The five-year-old gelding and $1.70 favourite was challenged late by True Desire, but had enough in the tank to win.
“He never wins by much, but he knows how to get the job done,” Harmey said.
Lennox said the win made the trip worthwhile.
“I like to support these country cups and we had the right horse for it, which was lucky,” she said.
“His win in the Narrabri Cup gave me confidence to come to Armidale.”
Earlier, Tamworth trainer Ian Mabbott took honours in the $10,000 Hygain Golden Horse Shoe (1980m) when a dashing midrace move paid off for Mitrhys Magic in the 3YO feature event.
Driven by Anthony Varga, the $2.20 favourite had too much toe for his rivals, winning by almost 10 metres.
Mitrhys Magic was bred by Tamworth residents John and Noelene Varga, who named the colt after their sons Mitchell and Rhys.
Sunday’s victory was the three-year-old’s fourth win from 12 starts.
