The alarm clock has already been set by Tamworth trainer Richard Williams for an early “rise and shine” on Saturday morning to travel to Menangle where Midnight Montana – or Monty as he is known around the stables – will contest a $20,000 Final that night.
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Midnight Montana is engaged in the National Trotguide Country Series Final - from the 11 barrier to be contested over 1609 metres - after finishing second to the Mark Callaghan trained and driven For The Bettor at Tamworth on April 13.
“Sarah Rushbrook drove Monty that night and she gave him a terrific run in the race to qualify,” Williams said.
Midnight Montana will be seen as the old “Grandpa” as he contests his 189th race start with the next closest contender being Bathurst pacer Tulhurst Santanna from the Nathan Hurst stables about to have his 50th race start at four years of age in the Final.
What is even more special is that it will be Monty’s debut at Headquarters.
“I would almost put the house on it that he would be the first horse to make his debut at Menangle at race start 189,” Williams said.
“Not many would think of heading to Menangle with a horse that has had that many starts but we are looking forward to the trip.”
Midnight Montana will contest his race at 6.43pm with Williams to take the reins behind the eight year old gelding, which is raced by his father, Barry.
Another winner from Tamworth will also be going around at Menangle on Saturday night when Last Party contests the Club Menangle Where Horses Fly Series Final after taking out her Heat at Tamworth back on April 13. Last Party has drawn the three barrier, with Guy Chapple retaining the drive and will contest her race at 8.15pm.
It’s the “Old Boys Reunion” at the Tamworth harness meeting on friday night and there will be many a tale to be told by former reinsmen and women along with trainers who have contested races in the north west over the years.
The Club is looking forward to hosting the night of racing for the gathering with word that there will be two former Show Supervisors in attendance. The opening event at Tamworth tonight to commence at 4.42pm is named the Tamworth HRC Old Boys Day Pace.
The night will also see some Memorial races staged: The Perc Verning Memorial, the Sam Ison Memorial and the Merv Johnston Memorial.
Tamworth will race again on May 4 with the feature races being two $10,000 Menangle Series Heats with Menangle Club Director Bill Ellis trackside for presentations with the meeting also hosting a Heat of the Club Dubbo Garrard’s Golden Gig Series with the final to be contested at Dubbo on May 11.