Search

show me:

Double Doubles For Hawkesbury Trainers

3 minute read

It’s been a terrific few days for Hawkesbury trainers Scott Singleton and Mitchell Kearney.

They each trained a winner at Hawkesbury last Wednesday and repeated the dose at Cessnock on Sunday. In both cases, each trainer’s winners were ridden by the same jockey.

Singleton scored with promising filly Concessions at home last week and with Celtic Diamond at Cessnock. Both are daughters of the stallion Tickets, and Jess Taylor partnered them.

Kearney’s home track success was with Lily’s Little Girl and he followed up by winning with his consistent mare Final Trick at Cessnock. Blaike McDougall was aboard both horses.

Singleton notched his 18th winner of the season – his best was 34 in 2014-15 – when Celtic Diamond ran her rivals off their legs in the Class 2 Handicap (1570m).

Racing in a nose roll, Celtic Diamond quickly found the front and was never threatened. She easily beat Dreaming Diamonds and Sahara Strike.

Celtic Diamond had finished only eighth at Orange in late December, and Singleton was thrilled to get her back into the winning list.

“She has always shown a lot, but hasn’t always been genuine, doing a few things wrong,” Singleton said afterwards.

“I put her back on the water walker after the Orange race, and tried to switch her on.

“I’m happy for the guys who race her; they have been big supporters of mine.”

Kearney clinched the sixth success of his brief training career when Final Trick gamely won the Class 3 Handicap (1150m).

After being pressured in the lead by Nick’s Best and being headed in the straight, she fought back tenaciously to edge that horse out on the post.

Kearney’s breakthrough came with Silk Spun at Hawkesbury in July, 2014, but it has been Final Trick who has really elevated him into the spotlight.

The mare had not won in 20 starts when Kearney’s wife Desiree bought her for $1000. She has now won four races, including a protest victory at Bathurst last February to launch her career.

“She is very tough, and has a good will to win,” Kearney said.

“Her work last week had been good, and the inside barrier was undoubtedly a big help.

“I think it’s the first time since we’ve had the mare that she has drawn a good gate.”

Winning rider McDougall is confident there are more successes ahead for the Kearneys with Final Trick.

“She is racing so well over the shorter journeys whilst she is fresh, but I feel she will get further,” he said.

“I’m confident she will manage 1400m this preparation.”


Racing and Sports

What’s gambling really costing you?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au