CLICK HERE TO GO BACK YEAR: 2018Harness racing 3yo Sheriff has smashed the NZ mobile 2600m all comers record when winning the $200,000 (Gr1) New Zealand Derby at Addington Raceway tonight.
The Nigel McGrath trained pacer ran the mobile 2600m in a blistering 3-05.4 which obliterated the old record held by the Purdon/Rasmussen trained Vincent by more than half a second.
McGrath had three nice chances in the race as he also trained race rivals Aloka and Star Commander, but he rated Sheriff the best of the horses he had in the race.
"He has come up nice this year and every start this season he has found the line really well.
"He ran a good third in the Northern Derby and I think he is ready tonight," he said before the race.
Sheriff (Bettor's Delight - Jen Marie) had to work hard to loop the field on a hot pace and he finally found the lead with 700m to go.
The classy pacer then had to withstand all the challenges in the straight, but lasted to beat a fast finishing Pat's Delight by a nose at the line.
Driver Blair Orange was ecstatic after the race and said,
"It was a great win and Nigel had him peaking at the right time.
"I had a good battle with Dexter up the straight but luckily the coin flipped my way."
Sheriff rated 1-54.7 over the 2600m mobile and zipped over his last 800m in 56.4 with a closing 400m in 27.5 seconds.
Credit: Harnesslink Media, April 2018 |