Bridesmaid finally became the bride

FOLLOWING a string of bridesmaid appearances Hatchback finally became the bride.

Making another trip down Tabcorp Park Melton’s aisle yesterday, Hatchback registered his first win at his seventh start for the season.

The trotter was runner-up during his previous six outings!

“It was good to see him finally get that elusive win on the board,” trainer John Justice said. “He’s been racing so well but just kept finding one better on the day.

“Finishing second in six consecutive races is probably some kind of record, although six wins in a row would be better.

“Maybe he just started that streak with a bit of luck.”

With Justice holding the reins, Hatchback back well from his 10-metre handicap to work to the lead as Majestic Eyes was eased to take a trail.

Proving to slick along the home straight, the well-bred gelding scored by three metres from Majestic Eyes, with Scallywag Sam seven-and-a-half metres away third.

By Angus Hall from former top mare Jauriol, Hatchback rated 2:04.8 over 2240 metres to provide Justice with the closing leg of a running double.

Also trained and driven by Justice, Long Weekend broke his maiden at his seventh start when he accounted for Matts Delight and Rockaria in 1:57.8 over 1720 metres.

“He’d been working well and I expected him to run a good race especially from the draw,” Justice said. “Once he found the front he was always going to be hard to run down and I was pleased with the way he found the line.”