Just Unbelievable Trots queen appointed honour

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV)

Kerryn Manning’s outstanding ontrack achievements and leadership have been celebrated with the Great Western harness racing icon appointed a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM).

By Michael Howard (HRV)

Greg Sugars' backed his brilliant Australian trotter and Just Believe responded with an extraordinary second placing in the Norrbottens Stora Pris at Boden, putting Victorian harness racing front and centre on the world stage.

The Swedish Group 1 was the last stop of Just Believe's European tour and he was outstanding, sitting in the breeze outside world leading Francesco Zet and running him all the way to the line for a close second for Myrniong trainer Jess Tubbs.

"So proud of him mate, that was as good as winning," Greg Sugars said.

The leading Australian and Myrniong reinsman, eased forward from the starting gates as Mellby Jinx rocketed to the front from his outside, with short favourite Francesco Zet balancing up from gate one.

Sugars settled three back in the running line before advancing three wide when Francesco Zet claimed the lead, with Just Believe sitting in the breeze for the last mile of the 2140-metre middle distance race. Sugars pressed on the leader's hip for the entirety of the trip, giving a length off the final turn but digging in to gain ground on the line and claim a brilliant second ahead of Mellby Jinx.

"Everyone here has told us how good Francesco Zet is, so to park outside of him the whole way and go down fighting like that I'm super proud," Sugars said.

The outstanding result caps the Australian's remarkable European campaign, which has reaffirmed how far the country's trotting breed has come courtesy of the likes of breeding trailblazer Pat Driscoll of Yabby Dam Farms.

Driscoll paired US mare Heavens Above (by US sire Like A Prayer) with French stallion Orlando Vici to produce Just Believe, who preceded to have an outstanding career for Cranbourne trainer Michael Hughes.

In September 2022 he joined Jess Tubbs and Sugars' Larajay Farm camp at Myrniong, and found a new level, winning country cups before claiming Australia's top trotting trophies the Inter Dominion and Great Southern Star in an extraordinary summer.

That prompted an invitation to Sweden's Elitloppet, which his big and adoring group of owners readily accepted.

While 'The Elite Race' didn't go to plan, with Just Believe breaking in the final straight after striking traffic when he loomed ominously, he had caught the eye of a supportive Swedish contingent and then enhanced his reputation with a brilliant third at Ostersund.

That would see Just Believe enter tonight's final Group 1 - the Norrbottens Stora Prison the second line of betting and he proved he was worth all the adulation, putting in an outstanding, brave run that has Sweden wanting more.

"Next year's definitely a possibility if all goes well and everyone wants to do that again," Sugars said.

"I'd love to come back. But for now our time is done, I have to get back home and do some work."

The King’s Birthday honour recognises Manning’s trailblazing trots career, which started in 1992 and includes peerless achievements as a trainer and driver.

The honour also celebrated Manning’s role as a Team Teal ambassador, helping to raise awareness and money for WomenCan ovarian cancer research.

“(It came) out of the blue,” Manning told RSN 927. “Nothing I ever expected to be nominated for or receive, it’s a pretty nice honour to have.”

The 47-year-old said the announcement had prompted an outpouring of support.

“I’ve had a lot of messages and texts and calls, it’s just lovely to have the support of everybody who has reached out to say congratulations,” Manning said.

“It’s pretty surreal to be doing something you love and get such an award.”

Ballan Golf Club

Results - W/e Saturday 18 June

Wednesday – Stableford

Winner - Jimmy Walsh (18) 39 points.

R/up - Bill Pickering (20) 36 points.

NTPs - 12th Kev Lockman, 15th Jimmy Walsh.

Magpie - 14th David Leach.

Saturday: Stroke – Fairbairn Cup Semi Final.

A GRADE

Overall Winner - Bob Arklay 71-11-60.

R/up - Rick Roden 73-12-61.

B GRADE

Winner - Denis Conroy 79-17-62. R/up - Les Martin 83-18-65.

NTPs - 12th Eddie Jackman, 15th Anthony Moore.

Magpies - 14th Pete Cox, 18th Chris Dunn. Ball Comp - 5 Balls c/off 65 Bob Arklay, Rick Roden, Denis Conroy, Frank Raffaele, Anthony Moore. Fairbairn Cup Semi Final Results

Rick Roden def Anthony Moore 5 & 4. Tom Paarhammer v Don Wickson (still to be played)