Julie Maughan's Raceday Report Thursday 7th July 2016 - Murray Sullivan double

Murray Sullivan double at Tamworth

Forbes reinsman Murray Sullivan knows how to become admired after driving two winners at the Tamworth meeting last Thursday.
Sullivan’s first win for the day came courtesy of Montana Shadow in the THRC Membership Pace (1609m) after just making it to the line after initially having a handy hold on the field as they rounded the final turn.
Montana Shadow led the field from the four barrier and was race favourite but gave Sullivan a bit of “heart stopper” on the final bend.
“She felt real good on the turn but when we straightened she veered out towards the gate. I had just pulled the block eyes down and she probably saw the gate and thought that’s where I am going”.
“We lost two or three lengths and she did have me worried for a few strides”
It was more than Sullivan who was “startled” as Montana Shadow is owned by a conglomerate of owners who are all Facebook friends - Mark Moss, Darren Murray, Fiona Hogan, Ashley Scott, Justin Bourke, and Jason Moss with the group headed up with fellow part owner and legend Paul (PK) Kramer.
When Montana Shadow headed “via the cape” she let through Sporty Belle (Stacy Weidemann) and Crystal Ocean (Peter Hedges) but to the mares credit reined them back in when she straighten up and held on for the win.
Montana Shadow had a half neck win over Sporty Belle and first time starter Crystal Ocean 2 metres away third.
“We have only had her for three weeks” said Sullivan with the Royal Mattjesty USA – Montana Mach NZ mare trained by Jason Gaffney.
“Once she balanced up and straightened she just dug in and stuck her head out just far enough”
“That is only her second start for us” added Sullivan and what a result – two starts two wins with the mare having a win at Dubbo four days prior on debut for the owners.
“She (Montana Shadow) is on the market now – the group that own her are looking for a three year old”
With 30 career race starts Montana Shadow has notched up her only two career wins since joining the Jason Gaffney stables.
Murray Sullivan then picked up The Pub Drive of the Day when he drove Dehillman to a win for Narrabri trainer Jarred Hetherington in the 88.9FM Tamworth Hats Off To Country Pace.
“We purchased the horse only a week ago from Steve Maguire” said Hetherington
“It was great for Murray to come up all this way and drive a double – unfortunately he just pipped us at the post when he beat Sporty Belle”
(Sullivan had won on Montana Shadow)
With Atticus Finch (Josh Osborn) leading the field Dehillman was placed on the leaders back - Sullivan then peeled off in the back straight on the final occasion racing three wide around the final turn.
Looking clear down the home straight Dehillman held on for a head win over a fast finishing Son Of A Star (Laura Spencer) and Miss Art Ranger ( Brad Elder) 1.4 metres third.
“When they went 28 down the back I was in two minds when I came out” said Sullivan after the win.
“I thought he (Dehillman) is home here and I just tried to cradle him around the turn as I knew I would need a little bit of a kick but once he straightened he kept blistering and got to the line real nice”.
“He has always been driven tough and hard – I have seen a fair few of his races” added Sullivan who then head to the Parkes meeting on Sunday where he picked up a second with Sonny Orlando.

 by Julie Maughan