LAST season’s Tasmanian harness horse of the year Gedlee returned to racing in Hobart last night (Wednesday) with a convincing win in a C2 over 1609 metres.
Gedlee worked hard from a wide gate early in the race before driver Rod Ashwood sent him forward to find the front.
He managed to steal a moderate third quarter but he made amends with a slick last quarter to produce a mile rate of 1.58.2.
The four-year-old gelding hit the line with three metres to spare from Hydehurst Boy with Dieberdon a close-up third.
Gedlee’s trainer Phil Rawnsley said it was a bit of a relief to finally get the first run out of the way.
“There was a bit of pressure on because there are always so many expectations when a good three-year-old makes a return to racing,” Rawnsley said.
“He’s done what I expected and then some so I’m quite happy with the outcome tonight,” he said.
Gedlee was Tasmania best three-year-old and those performances also earned him the title of harness horse of the year.
Rawnsley said he has not discounted the possibility of his stable start heading towards the Group 1 Tasmania Cup on Boxing Day.
Listen to what trainer Phil Rawnsley had to say about Gedlee’s return to racing – click here.