Back To Back: Clint Hall claimed successive WA Pacing Cups with his victory behind My Hard Copy
The domination of the Hall stable in the state’s biggest event continues.
Former New Zealand gelding My Hard Copy stormed down the outside to claim an epic victory in the Gr.1 $400,000 TABTOUCH WA Pacing Cup defeating a gallant David Hercules and Northview Punter in the 2936m feature.
It was the fifth straight time that recently inducted Hall of Fame trainer Gary Hall has prepared the winner of the Cup while winning reinsman Clint claimed successive victories following his all the way victory last year aboard Hokonui Ben.
Hall has now trained nine WA Pacing Cup winners.
And his most recent success may well be the best remembered.
In front of a massive Perth crowd, the action was on from the very start with a fierce pace battle evolving quickly when Toretto and Bettors Fire went to war while key runners jostled for prime position.
With Bettors Fire finding the lead and Toretto racing in the trail, driver Morgan Woodley quickly made an early move aboard last week’s Fremantle Cup winner and race favourite David Hercules.
But as soon as he was about to find the position outside the leader, Gary Hall aboard Toretto quickly squeezed off the inside and attacked for the lead.
The lead time was covered in 94.3 seconds.
Toretto eventually got the lead leaving David Hercules working without cover in an energy zapping pace.
The first half was covered in 30.7 and 30.8 seconds.
Heading into the back straight for the final time, David Hercules quickly raced clear from Toretto who caved in quickly while the runs were coming from back in the field.
David Hercules appeared to be a sitting shot as Our Jimmy Johnstone, Northview Punter, Finbar Abbey and Pacific Warrior all made sweeping moves.
In the meantime, My Hard Copy after sitting last on the inside also began to dodge and weave among tiring runners coming off the back straight.
The third quarter was covered in 29.1 seconds.
At the home turn, David Hercules continued to fend off potential challengers but My Hard Copy eventually came to the outside and let down with a strong sprint.
With Hall driving determinedly, My Hard Copy overpowered David Hercules and went on to score by 2.5 metres with a further 1.5 metres back to Northview Punter in third.
The final section was covered in 29.2 seconds.
It was a race record time of 3;34.1 – the winning milerate was 1;57.4.
“That was the most exhilarating race I’ve been in, I had to change my plans at least three or four times and I had to avoid tired horses in the final lap. This is unbelievable, winning this great race for the second straight year, I can’t believe it.” Winning driver Clint Hall stated.
Gary Hall’s Cup winners include The Falcon Strike (x3), Tealsby Karita, Im Themightyquinn (x3), Hokonui Ben and now My Hard Copy.
The success of My Hard Copy in the Pacing Cup was one of six winners prepared on the night by the legendary horseman.
The next leg of the Australian Pacing Gold Grand Circuit is the $400,000 Victoria Cup at TABCORP Park, Melton on January 31.
