Norm Gardner returns home to Wagga carnival and wins with Nights On Fire

Gardner grew up in Wagga and loves returning home for the carnival and Nights On Fire ($21.00) ensured it was another successful visit with a win in the Walsh & Blair Lawyers Benchmark 70 Handicap (1200m).

Kayla Nisbet got the five-year-old mare home in a tight finish, edging out Can’t Find Snippy ($4.60) and Reine Happy ($13.00), with only three lengths separating the first 10 horses home.

“I love coming back to the carnival, I usually have a bit of luck so it’s really good,” Gardner said.

Nights On Fire had only beaten three horses home in his last two starts and Gardner was relieved to see her back at her best.

“I’m really pleased, I’ve been a bit disappointed with her last couple of runs,” he said.

“I whacked a set of winkers on because she had been lacking a bit of confidence and they did the trick.”