EXPERIENCED trainer-driver Kirk Bourne has had an adventurous week in harness racing with falls at consecutive meetings being overshadowed by a brilliant win from an unlikely stable star.
Bourne partnered Luke Thomas to an incredible win in a C1 race over 2200 metres at The TOTE Racing Centre in Launceston last Sunday night.
It was his first win since July when successful in a C1-C2 in Hobart with talented novice Alex Ashwood aboard.
But last Sunday night’s win was something of a bonus given the mishaps a week earlier and on the same night as his win
Bourne was dislodged from the sulky when Luke Thomas became entangled with a galloper in a race in Hobart and last Sunday night Bourne also was dumped when his four-year-old mare Western Charmer chocked down and crashed heavily to the track with a lap remaining of a C1 race over 2200m.
Just as he did a week earlier, Bourne emerged unscathed, dusted himself off and saddled up for the next race aboard Luke Thomas which he duly won.
As is the case with most of Luke Thomas’ wins. He had to be driven for luck and after settling three-back the fence, Bourne managed to extricate the six-tear-old from the rails and eventually eased his way to the outside of the field upon straightening for the run home.
Just when Tessanzo was being hailed the winner, Luke Thomas dug deep, put in the big strides and powered home to grab victory in the last stride.
Bourne said Luke Thomas is arguably the best “bread and butter” horse he has ever owned or trained.
Listen to what trainer-driver Kirk Bourne had to say about Luke Thomas’s win and his tumbles on the track – click here.