Personal milestone for prominent horseman

PROMINENT horseman Shane Loone registered a personal milestone at Globe Derby just moments ago.

Among South Australia’s leading trainers for the past five years, including being runner-up on the state premiership during the last two seasons – Loone prepared the trifecta in the opening event.

Although he pulled the ‘wrong rein’ by driving Jakes Sportwriter to finish second, Loone was “thrilled” to have three of his runners first across the finish.

Along with the winner Star Writer and placegetter Crookwell Jake, Loone also had Blade in the 2230-metre event, with the gelding finishing at the tail of the field.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled with the result,” Loone said. “I’ve had runners finish first, second and fourth, but this is the first time I’ve trained a trifecta.

“I gave them all a good chance, but actually thought Jakes Sportwriter was the best hope among them.”

After working to the lead from barrier six, Jakes Sportwriter was outsprinted along the home straight to be beaten six-and-a-half metres.

Crookwell Jake was nine metres away third.

Partnered by premier concession driver Samantha Pascoe, Star Writer rated 1:59.8 to take his record to 25 wins and 58 placings from 212 starts for earnings of $224,705.

With no major plans in mind for the 10-year-old, Loone will continues to race Star Writer on a regular basis.

“He is in again on Monday and should win,” Loone said. “It’s a drop in class for him.

“Other than that he will keep going around as often as he does and will always be close given the right run.”