Young Quinn against time

Press, 16 February 1980, Page 21

Young Quinn against time

Special correspondent Auckland Charlie Hunter is hoping for a time of Imin 58s or Imin 59s when Young Quinn goes a mile against time at Cambridge on Tuesday ingHunter, who trains and drives the old champion, said yesterday, the time would have to be under 2min if Young Quinn were to be selected for the Miracle Mile at Harold Park, Sydney. The race, which is worth $85,000 and is restricted to six starters, will be run on March 7. A week later, the Inter-dominion Championships open on the same Mr Len Smith, chief executive officer of the New South

Wales trotting club, has told Hunter that Young Quinn is on the “short list.” But, while recognising Young Quinn’s great run in the Auckland Trotting Cup recently, Mr Smith wants the gelding to show he is as good as ever at a mile. Young Quinn will have the assistance of a galloping prompter in Tuesday’s trial. Mr Smith told Hunter that Paleface Adios was to contest a flying mile at Moonee Valley Melbourne, tonight. Like Young Quinn, Paleface Adios is 10 years old. “He felt it would be a great thing,” said Hunter, “if both horses were in the field, especially as they are previous winners of the race.” Young Quinn has thrived since the Auckland Trotting Cup and Hunter feels a sub2min mile on Tuesday is “well on.” If the trip does eventuate, Young Quinn will almost certainly stay for the Inter-Dominions. Hunter said he could not complain about Young Quinn being one of the backmarkers on 15m. “After all, he was on the same mark when he won the Grand Final at Alexandra Park in 1975. And he has won a lot of races since then.” The only firm invitation issued so far to a New Zealand horse has been to Lord Module.

In last year’s Miracle Mile, Lord Module finished an unlucky third. Young Quinn won in 1975 from No. 6 at the start, it is the only time the horse from the outside position has scored.