Harness Racing is a sport full of passionate people.
However, we as an industry still fall well short in comparison to thoroughbred racing but a few of our brightest events can capture the attention of even the most general sports fan.
The Inter Dominion and Miracle Mile are obvious.
Western Australia has done a fabulous job with the Inter Dominion series and Victoria, Sydney and New Zealand have the responsibility of continuing that good work.
The Miracle Mile, held at the notoriously explosive Menangle track, cuts through to generic sports fans thanks to the world-class speeds the horses can run.
Our sport’s superstars have perhaps even more pull with fans than races.
For me, during my era of introduction to the trots, it’s been Lazarus, Mark Purdon, Chris Alford and Gary Hall Sr who have been the individual superstars who have been magnets for supporters.
Another fella who has been pretty popular a guy named Lenny – Lennytheshark,
His career – as a race horse – ended this week when connections decided to draw the curtain on what has been a magnificent racing life.
Lenny’s racing career concludes with more than $3 million in the bank and a handful of momentous, memorable victories.
A New South Wales Derby at three, a VicBred Super Series at four then Grand Circuit dominance which included wins in the Inter Dominion, Miracle Mile, Hunter Cup and a couple of Victoria Cups.
It’s a career saved for only the greatest horses per generation.
Like Christian Cullen, Smoken Up, Im Themightyquinn and Blacks A Fake before him, Lennytheshark has been among the greatest couple of horses in Australasia for the past three years.
Driver Chris Alford obviously had some heartfelt words for his special mate when speaking to The Herald Sun.
‘He’s the best. He stands alone now… Lenny stands alone now because he came back year after year and did it at the top level.’
Lennytheshark’s stud career is yet to be finalised but his racing achievements are set in stone forever and congratulations to everyone involved in his success.
Josh Jenkins Sports 