TASMANIAN-BORN reinsman Josh Duggan turned the Tasmania Cup win into a home town victory when he partnered Victorian gelding Lets Elope to an impressive victory in the Tasmanian Pacing Club’s premier event at UBET Park Hobart today.
Duggan is the son of star Tasmanian reinsman Ricky Duggan and his wife Linda.
Duggan had Lets Elope in the one-out line with cover until easing him out three then four-wide to make his run 500 metres from home.
He had last year’s winner Star Chamber on his back and the pair singled out to a two-horse dual at the top of the straight.
But Duggan’s horse had plenty left in the tank to deal with Star Chamber’s strong challenge and he went on to defeat that horse by seven metres with almost 20 metres to third-placed Outback Mach.
Duggan left Tasmania aged 17 to carve a career in the industry at the Chris and Alice Alford stable and he has developed as a driver and horseman during his time with the Alfords.
Listen to what 23-year-old Josh Duggan had to say about capturing the state’s premier event at his first drive in the race.