By MATT NICHOLLS
FORMER Armidale harness trainer Ian Mabbott returned to his home track in triumphant style on Sunday, winning three events on the eight-race program.
Mabbott, who trained at Armidale 15 years ago before moving to Tamworth, said he was delighted that racing had returned to his former city.
“Look at the crowd they have here,” he said.
“We don’t get a crowd like this in Tamworth.
“It’s great to see harness racing back in Armidale … let’s hope it stays.”
Mabbott combined with driver Anthony Varga to win the first two heats of the St Kilda Hotel Armidale Carnival of Cups.
Benji M Brogden lived up to his $1.30 price by scoring by three metres in the opening heat, stopping the clock in a slick mile rate of 2:00.8 – setting a new track record in the process.
Itsa History Maker was the benefactor of a slick Varga drive as the young reinsman came from an unlikely position on the markets to win the second heat of the Carnival of Cups.
The six-year-old gelding proved too good for $2.70 favourite Shamrocks Boy, who was outgunned in the home straight to finish third after a torrid run mid-race.
Mabbott’s day was topped when he produced the quinella in the Hygain Golden Horse Show Prelude, with his two three-year-olds finishing first and second.
It was the outsider of the pair, Kemira Cause, which took honours, with a plumb drive from Dean Chapple getting the job done ahead of $1.70 favourite Mithrys Magic.
The final of both the Armidale Carnival of Cups and Golden Horse Shoe will be staged this Sunday.
