Hurrell sealed the Ascot Park drivers title, run over the previous August-to-August harness racing season, with a successful treble within the sulky which included two notable victories at large odds.
Hurrell and the Tony Stratford-trained Rakamurph scored at $81 successful odds when powering residence to beat a hardy subject in simply his second begin since June of final 12 months.
The reinsman then received yesterday’s function occasion when the Brian Norman-trained Superfast upset within the Diamond Creek Farm SBSR Silk Highway Ultimate at a $71 win value.
These two wins got here after Hurrell and Norman additionally mixed to attain with Pacific Arc on the far more modest win dividend of $6.50.
Rakamurph’s solely different begin since producing a crushing win at Winton greater than a 12 months in the past was at Gore final month.
The pacer battled away on the rear of the sector trying like a horse that wanted the outing after such a giant break from racing.
Whereas punters clearly assumed Rakamurph might have one other hit-out, that clearly wasn’t the case.
‘‘We really thought he was able to go a good race at Gore, however he hadn’t been wherever and he improved rather a lot with that run,’’ Stratford stated.
‘‘He’s a pleasant horse and he confirmed that once more right this moment.’’
Whereas Rakamurph has been off the scene by damage lately, he has not been in restoration mode for all of that point.
Stratford credited proprietor Brendan Fahy for electing to provide the horse loads of time to prepared himself for one more marketing campaign.
‘‘He’s had his share of niggles, however he has by no means been actually lame or something.
‘‘It’s extra that he has all the time been a pleasant horse and Brendan has opted to provide him loads of time to get proper.
‘‘It’s a credit score to him for taking care of the horse and it’s good to see him being rewarded for it.’’
Stratford has made no secret of the massive opinion he has had of Rakamurph since he took over the coaching of the pacer final 12 months.
The Gore coach simply hopes his horse can keep sound and present his true price.
‘‘He’s a pleasant horse. He might keep on to [New Zealand] Cup Week and race in premier firm, no issues.
‘‘However he has to remain sound. The leg we’ve had bother with is nearly as good because it has ever been.
‘‘So hopefully he can.’’
Rakamurph’s win continued a fantastic run of winter kind for Stratford, who has received a race on the previous 5 southern harness racing conferences.
