Milestone 50 years in the making

A MODEST milestone half a century in the making was reached in Bendigo last night.

Triumphant with Sonnyboy and Major Max, veteran horseman Jack Sullivan registered his first training double.

“It’s taken 50 years to get two winners at a meeting,” the 79-year-old said. “I did come close one time with a win and a half-head second several years ago.

“I only train a few at a time and being mainly trotters, most of the time they don’t race on the same program, or if they do, it is in the same race.

“Having more trot races on a card these days helps separate them and it gave me the chance for a double.”

With Jodi Quinlan in the cart, Sonnyboy began well from the pole to be settled in the perfect trail behind the leader, Christmas Babe, which sped to the front from barrier six.

Finishing strongly along the sprint lane, the son of Majestic Son dashed to a three-metre win from the pacemaker, with Allwatfunjingles a metre away third.

Quinlan then reined Major Max to a four-metre triumph from Kalarney Prince and Azalea Mae in 2:02.8 over 2150 metres.

“I was pretty confident with both of them and was thrilled to see them win,” Sullivan said. “They were both second-up from long spells, and although they finished fourth at their first run back, I was pleased with the way they went.

“They stepped up in their work during the week too, so I knew they were ready.”