It was easy to sense his excitement.
And why not, he just landed himself his maiden Menangle double.
Haigslea horseman Adam Richardson ventured to Sydney last week with a small team of pacers to campaign while his home track of Albion Park remains out of action and was handed the keys behind two talented types from the stables of fellow Queenslander Chantal Turpin.
Richardson guided both Watch Pulp Fiction and Bull Market to victory in their respective events and the lightweight reinsman was thrilled.
“It was a very satisfying moment, both horses appeared to have strong claims and presented well and it was great to get the required job done. It was a big thrill and many thanks to Chantal and Pete (McMullen - Chantal’s husband).” Richardson said.
Previously, Richardson had taken a handful of drives for trainer Shaun Snudden at Menangle without success.
With McMullen representing Queensland in the Australian Drivers Championship at Globe Derby in Adelaide and Turpin committed to her team competing at Redcliffe, Richardson was in the right spot to take the reins.
Both Watch Pulp Fiction and Bull Market scored decisive victories, Richardson produced perfect drives on both with Watch Pulp Fiction appreciating the class drop while the normally headstrong Bull Market thrived on the open spaces of the 1400m circuit.
Richardson has taken a trio of his own team south with Miss Kenny, Ultimate Risk and Lovely Moth to campaign for his stable while the remediation works continue at Albion Park.
Miss Kenny finished second behind My Elusive Dream at Menangle on Monday afternoon in a time of 1:53.0 while both Ultimate Risk and Lovely Moth were unplaced at the same meeting.
“A number of my current team doesn’t handle Redcliffe and I thought it was a good opportunity to give these horses a try on the bigger track. I thought they performed well enough and can improve off their efforts.
“I plan on being down here for another week or so, hopefully Albion Park will be ready by then and I’ll be headed straight home when it is. I’m on course at Menangle and the facilities are great.
“There are a few Queenslanders down here at present and the racing is very competitive but all horses get their chance. The track is great and very good to drive on so hopefully there are a few more winners to come before heading home.”
Last season, Richardson landed 76 winners for the term while he has driven 17 winners in the Sunshine State so far this season.
Richardson prepares a team of 12 horses along with Lee Storie.
Chris Barsby | RQ Web News | November 8