Julie Maughan's Raceday Report Sunday 8 January 2017 - Western Safari

WESTERN SAFARI HAS NICE WIN by Julie Maughan

Western Safari literally left her opposition behind in taking out the Global Bloodstock Trophy Ladyship Pace.

The Inverell pacer – trained by Col Hobday – was handled in the race by reinsman Tom Ison – who also received The Pub Sponsored Drive of the Night for his accomplished driving skills.

"She has been racing well and just needed a "little luck" said Hobday after the win "I am real happy with the win – Tom [Ison] has been driving her all season"

The win also gave 77 year old Col Hobday a boost when he recalled a track work accident just over twelve months ago where he sustained six broken ribs and two crushed vertebrae.

"I had a bad fall – and I just have to be careful now" added Hobday.

With Bassey [Sam Ison] leading the field Western Safari was placed three back on the marker pegs while McQueen Regal (Courtney Sutherland) racing out in the breeze.

"She takes a while to wind up but she is a tough little thing" added Tom Ison "she just goes"

"She was three the fence and at the 600 metre mark I got out and she just flew past them – she let down real nice – she went super"

Western Safari clocked 1.58.6 for the 1,609 metres.

Ison made his move up the back straight on the final occasion to literally race away from the field to have a 13.6 metre win over Penny A Packet (Josh Osborn) and Zippa Model (Julie Weidemann) 4.1 metres away third.

"There is definitely more wins coming – she is a nice little mare and she will step through the grades"

Col Hobday races Western Safari along with his daughter Julie and from four starts for the duo the five year old mare has produced a win and two placings.