harness racing.

With hundreds of punters and families scattered around the track, Junee Harness Racing Club secretary Joanne Judd yesterday admitted she couldn’t be happier with the turnout.

“It was a really good night, it was just great,” she said yesterday.

“It was a big crowd and everything just seemed to go off well.”

In a novelty first, the second race of the evening was a city versus country invitational drivers challenge that was eagerly enjoyed by the crowd.

Judd said the chance to watch some of the city’s best drivers in action was the highlight of the night.

“The city v country was quite a draw card,” she said.

“It was fantastic to have the drivers from Sydney and sort of see them going around and hear them speak.

“Matthew Harris organised it, he rang around and they all were happy to come.

“They’re always busy with driving and things so we were really, really appreciative.”

The night took an emotional turn as Bruce Harpley claimed a sentimental victory with Dance For Madi in the race dedicated to his late mother, Phylis.

Harpley, who owns, trains and drives the four-year-old gelding, scored a heartwarming win in the Phylis Harpley Memorial (2170m).

“It was probably one of the highlights,” he said.

“It was a big thing for the family and everyone was really touched.”

Seshny Bromac’s victory in the $10,000 Pheonix Accounting and Business Services Junee Pacers Cup (2170m) marked the third win for young Bathurst driver Ashlee Siejka.

Trained by Peter Russo from Bathurst, the five-year-old mare out lasted Jordie Louise and Juryman to claim the victory.

“The Cup went to a visitor which was good, it’s nice to keep it local if we can but it was good that they get the reward when they make the effort to come,” Judd said.

“Ashlee is achieving a lot of success, she won the cup, the invitational and the final race of the night.

“It was great to see.”

Other winners on the night were Viva More, Harrys Day Out, Chips McFadden, Bank Of Nova, Jetshaw Joe and Lochinver.

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