Russel Garnett’s award

Press, 29 March 1982, Page 25

Russel Garnett’s award

Russel Garnett and Count Brandon provided two of the highlights in minor races at Addington Raceway on Saturday. Russel Garnett's win in the Courier Systems Stakes earned him the “horse of the meeting” award made by trotting journalists. The lightly raced four-year-old was not quite in line at the start and settled at the rear, his trainer-driver, Bill Cummongs, allowing him to stride along freely until racing near the 1000 m. He then

moved quickly forward round the field and was close to the pacemaker, Kakama, starting the home turn. Russel Garnett was a clear leader 100 m out, but close to the line Derby Rose put in a spirited bid. which failed by a neck. Raced by Mr Bert Quintal, of Kaikoura, and Mrs Kath Williams, Russel Garnett has now won "three on the trot.” On Saturday he paced the 2600 m in 3min 20.85, a time seldom associated with a C2 race. He can be expected to

show further improvement and looks capable of a number of wins, although he could be a risk from a standing' start. The favourite, Robert Henry, had his chance, but third was the best he could manage, half a length in front of Kakama, which had to work hard to get to the front from a wide draw. Jim Curtin increased his lead to 13 in the competition for the Maurice Holmes trophy, when right against the run of the race, he drove

Count Brandon to win the Improvers' Stakes. Count Brandon was wide early and then left in the open. He took the lead from General George on the home turn and. when the challenges came thick and fast in the run home, he did not have to be knocked about to win by a length from Pacific Chase and a solid finisher in Glen Mist. Count Brandon's task was made more difficult when he got his tongue over the bit for much of the race.