A stallion in the making!
That is what champion driver Luke McCarthy said after Expensive Ego obliterated the Bathurst track record when winning a heat of the Inter Dominion Pacing Championship there tonight.
The son of Rock N Roll Heaven broke the clock rating 1:50.6, lowering the previous record of 1:52.1 held by Anntonia.
“That was a stallion making run tonight,” said McCarthy.
“He’s was strong tonight and that mile showed what a great stayer he is and how well he will handle the two miles.”
There was plenty of action early and after the start was delayed twice it was a case of third time lucky for the $30,000 qualifier.
Once the barrier arms were released many horses made a move forward and set up the early speed contributing to the track record.
Expensive Ego worked three-wide and to the lead where he remained to hold off Triple Eight, The Black Prince and Majestic Cruiser.
The quarters were 27.7, 28.3, 28.6 and 26.3 seconds.
It was a history making moment as it is the first time the Inter Dominion series has been held at Bathurst.
This is a huge thrill for McCarthy who was raised in Bathurst and his wife, trainer Belinda McCarthy, who grew up in nearby town Canowindra.
“He did it tough and knew he would have to tonight from the draw,” said Belinda McCarthy.
“He smashed the track record and I was still very nervous before the race even though he won on Saturday night.
“He pulled up great from Saturday’s night’s run and hopefully will do the same after tonight.”
Expensive Ego could be the harness racing horse to beat in this year’s Inter-Dominion following this effort.
It was a big statement with Expensive Ego going to 32 points for the series.
“There’s not a lot between Expensive Ego and King Of Swing,” McCarthy told media before the series started, and that quote looks to be bang on after the first heat win by Expensive Ego.
By Amanda Rando for Harnesslink
