Bennett Bags Four On The Trot
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday February 1, 2000
Top local reinsman Greg Bennett grabbed a personal best four winners at Bulli Paceway yesterday.
But Bennett got a helping hand from wayward mare Armbro Snukes on the way to recording his best result at the local paceway.
Glenburn Aussie (13/4) provided Bennett with his third winner on the seven-event program, but only after the Brian Hancock-trained Armbro Snukes (11/4) came to grief after appearing the likely winner.
The Canadian-bred mare broke on the home turn before bolting and falling on a concrete drain inside the running pegs, gifting the race to Bennett and the Jack Primmer-trained Glenburn Aussie.
Armbro Snukes and her driver, Mark Tracey, escaped injury.
But the drama continued when two pacers locked wheels in the home straight and driver Bill Galway crashed to the track. He also escaped serious injury.
``I'm just a bit stiff and sore," Galway said later.
Stewards said Armbro Snukes would have to trial before being allowed to race again. Bennett trailled the grey mare on Glenburn Aussie before pulling out on the turn to move up on the outside of Armbro Snukes moments before she broke up.
``I was lucky I pulled out when I did," Bennett said. ``I had to make a decision and fortunately it was the right one. If I'd stayed behind Armbro Snukes we would have been in big trouble."
Glenburn Aussie was left well ahead of the rest of the field and coasted home to victory by more than 24m.
Tracey told stewards Armbro Snukes panicked after breaking.
``I gave her a bit of a flick (with the whip) and she panicked and bolted," he said. ``She fell on the concrete drain, but she seems okay."
Chief steward Ron Bottle said Armbro Snukes, having just her second start, was probably going to win the race.
``I think so, too," Tracey said.
Bennett, who earlier won on Kaipukes Best (7/2) and Ballyjamesduff (5/4), completed a great day by steering home Master Pan for Bulli trainer Don Dinnerville in the final event.
His two other drives on the day were both placed.
``It was my day, I guess," Bennett said. ``I've driven plenty of trebles here at Bulli before, but never four in one day. It's the sort of day you wish there were nine or 10 races!"
Owner Merv Thompkins (Kaipukes Best) rated Bennett right up there with the best drivers in the country.
© 2000 Illawarra Mercury
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