Classic win in Bourke Hurdle

By Glen Atwell
NEW history was about to be written when the horses began circling at the rear of the barriers before the running of the M.J. Bourke Hurdle.
After flooding the bookmakers’ ring during betting, punters and racegoers had returned to the grandstand. And, despite drizzling rain, for the first time during the day the members’ enclosure had been deserted.
The stage was set for the $25,000 M.J. Bourke Hurdle.
Favourite Classic Benbara had eased in betting from $1.80 to $2.70 by race time as punters came for Al Garhood and the Eric Musgrovetrained Iggy, who firmed from $6 to $4.
After the first of two laps, Cranbourne horse Just A Surprise led the field after setting a frantic pace in the early stages of the 2800metre race.
Classic Benbara enjoyed the run of the race and was joined in the lead by Al Garhood as the field turned into the home straight. Looking like getting caught on the inside track, Classic Benbara jockey Adrian Garraway pulled to the outside and called his mount into full stretch.
Classic Benbara raced clear and proved too strong as the favourite raced home to win by six lengths ahead of Al Garhood and Sadler Joh.
Despite the easy win, there was tension between winning trainer Tony Rosolini and Garraway, who obviously had called on the horse too early.
“I know I went too soon, but I had no choice, I would have got caught,” Garraway said before Rosolini had uttered a word.
“You won by six lengths but, yes, I was going to say something,” Rosolini fired back.
Bourke brothers Hugh, Gavan and John were joined by sister Mary Gannon to present the M.J. Bourke trophy, named in honour of their father, to the winning connections and enjoy a celebratory drink after the latest chapter of Pakenham Racing Club history.