OVER the years, wins have been well spaced for local motor mechanic/harness racing hobby trainer David Millard.
In fact, his last winner before last weekend was way back in December, 2008 when Imacoolcloud won a three year old pace here at the Greenwald Paceway.
But Millard had his moment in the setting sun on Friday night – and received an early Christmas present as well – when Imagoldcloud (by Cullens Hope out of Imacoolcloud), a pacer he owns, drives and trains, caused a major upset to win the 1780 metre maiden at the final meeting for 2017 for the Mount Gambier club.
Millard has been a grand stalwart of local trotting for many years, and although Imagoldcloud’s win may not have been warmly received by punters, Millard was swamped by well wishers for the rest of the night.
The pacer had never been placed at eight previous career runs, but Millard was confident of a bold showing in the days leading up to the race.
Millard made full use of barrier one to spear Imagoldcloud ($31-$41) to the lead, and he was left alone out in front for much of the sprint journey.
Just when most pundits expected Imagoldcloud to feel the pinch in the final half lap, the four year old gelding kept finding for Millard to beat the late charge from Keayang Trumpet.
An obviously delighted Millard believes a change of training tactics may have helped, stating post race “since his last run here a fortnight ago, I have not brought him here for track work, and worked him out in the pines instead.”
A big effort from Keayang Trumpet which raced three wide for much of the journey, while the well backed Grey Cadillac ($5-$3 fav.) was a disappointing fourth.
