Tony Missen is back.
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After enduring some horrific injuries in a race fall in Tamworth 12 months ago, Missen continued on the training side of operations for his stables but the adrenalin rush has drawn him back to the paceway competition side of things.
For Me was the pacer Missen made his return with and finished seventh in the Pub Group Gold Nugget January 17 Pace.
Merry Jasper came into the opening event at Tamworth as a first emergency and gained a run on race morning with the scratching of Gargzdai Girl from the Richard Williams stables.
With Williams having a runner out of the race, Quirindi trainer Brendan Hunt then engaged Williams to take the drive behind Merry Jasper that proved to be the winning combination.
“It makes it all worthwhile as my horse was scratched from the race so it was a win-win situation,” Williams said after the race.
With Conversion (Stacey Weidemann) leading the field Merry Jasper was tucked in on the leader’s back.
“I was hoping a split would come and when it came it was good,” Williams said.
Merry Jasper pounced as Conversion drifted out on the final turn with Merry Jasper taking an inside run.
“It was a close finish and he hit the line well but that is his go,” Williams said.
“When he can get those sorts of runs, it’s good, as he finishes off strong.”
Williams also had another reason for celebration.
He announced his engagement to partner and stable forelady Ashlea McKinnon on Christmas Day.
Tom Ison was a bit surprised with the win of Starzzzforlouise in the FM88.9 Tamworth Ladyship Pace – even though the six-year-old mare commenced as race favourite.
“It was a really good run and she is improving every time,” Ison said of Starzzzforlouise who is trained by his father Andy.
After gaining the one by one, Ison pulled Starzzzforlouise three wide as the bell sounded for the final lap.
The move saw Ison place a gap on the field in the back straight.
“She goes alright. She has a tough sprint on her,” Ison said.
“She goes quick but can hold it for a long way and she does it easy.”
Starzzzforlouise scored a big eight-metre win over Clancy Pants (Peter Hedges) while Miss Catalina (Stacey Weidemann) was another five metres away in third position.
“That’s two wins from from about six starts,” Ison said.
“I thought we would run a hole at best but when she got cover I thought she was a real show.”
Stoneridge Royal was another winner at Tamworth who gained entry as a first emergency.
Trained and driven by Dean Chapple, Stoneridge Royal was the first leg of a training double for Chapple with Right On With It also having a win.
Right On With It was handled by Lola Weidemann.
Harness racing will now head to the Maitland track tomorrow night for the 55th running of the Maitland Inter City Pace.
