Skip to main navigation Skip to main content

Busy Week With Big Results

16 September 2018

Share this page

Share on a platform

Or copy the page link

It’s been an unforgettable week for Pete McMullen.

The reigning Albion Park Metropolitan Drivers Premiership champion welcomed the arrival of his second child on Thursday when his wife Chantal gave birth to Olivia Amy, a little sister to Rylee before getting straight back to business last night (Saturday).

The third generation horseman ‘bookended’ the Albion Park meeting with Bells Beach House and Releven Dream scoring decisive victories, Bells Beach House led throughout in the UBET Pace in a time of 1:55.5 for 2138m while Releven Dream also defied running down in the Pryde’s Easifeed Trotters Discretionary Handicap in a time of 2:04.2 for the 2647m.

Bells Beach House is trained by Chantal while Releven Dream is prepared by Wayne Graham.

“It’s been a pretty hectic week, we’ve had a lot going on but it’s all good. Chantal and the baby are doing great and will be home in the next day or two and the winners have kept ticking over. I must thank the staff and our families for providing so much support for Chantal and I during this period, it’s very much appreciated.” McMullen said.

During the course of the week, McMullen landed seven winners owing to a double from Monday’s meeting, the postponed meeting from Saturday week ago before landing a treble at Redcliffe on Wednesday night and then clinching another double last night.

He missed a winner on Tuesday at Albion Park with Some Excusesomewhere after being run down by stablemate Argyle Beach in fast time.

Another highlight for McMullen during the week was his selection to represent Queensland in the 2018 Australian Drivers Championship at Globe Derby next month.

The series, which pits the top two drivers from each state in a one-night competition, will take place on October 27 in Adelaide. 

McMullen heads to Adelaide with his cousin Nathan Dawson after the pair finished at the top of the statewide premiership last season.

Dawson took 208 winning drives in Queensland while McMullen had 170 winners.

“It’s been a great week on so many levels; obviously the arrival of Olivia is top of the list but to represent your state is always a great honour and I’m looking forward to the challenge of that series.

“My brother-in-law Jake is also playing in next week’s Intrust Super Cup Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium for Redcliffe Dolphins so that’s another thrill for the family.

“I thought the horses performed well this week so it’s great that the momentum keeps building for this season, Argyle Beach is flying and it was great to see Bells Beach House return to the winners list.

“He was a little sluggish last start but was much sharper last night, once he got the front, he traveled well and I kept chirping him from the top of the straight and he responded well. Maybe he’s better suited at the 2138m distance rather than the mile now that he’s a little older.”

With two young girls, McMullen might need to keep the winners coming with another pony likely to be ordered.

“We’ll see, Rylee already has her pony but we will wait and see if Olivia goes down that path.” He quipped.

McMullen will be back driving on Tuesday afternoon at Albion Park.

 


Chris Barsby | RQ Web News | September 16 | Photo by Dan Costello