Luna shines in Bendigo

HARNESS racing mare Luna Dream has won the Vicbred Silver pace at Bendigo.

Trained by Warren Greene at small Mount Wallace horse stable Luna Lodge Harness, Luna Dream was driven to victory by James Herbertson last week.

“She was in the four-year-old race for $20,000,” Mr Greene said. “It’s a fairly prestigious race, one level below the top 12.

“She was 60 to 1 and the second lowest-rated horse in the race.

“With a brilliant drive, she managed to come from third last at the bell, to come down the sprint lane and win by a half-head.

“There was a lot of luck in the race – she didn’t get locked in – but James drove her brilliantly, and the horse in the last 100 metres was able to do the job.

“Her winning time was her best winning time, and it was one of her fastest ever race times. It’s my biggest win and her biggest win, and totally unexpected.

“It doesn’t get much better than having a win.”

The Vicbred series was set up to encourage the breeding of Victorian mares and stallions.

“Each year they have a series of races which are very prestigious,” Mr Greene said. “It’s an achievement to get into the Vicbred finals.

“But for those that don’t make the finals, there’s the silver and bronze races.”

Luna Dream was the first-bred horse to be trained at Luna Lodge Harness.

“She has had 21 starts, three wins, two seconds and three thirds, and this season alone she’s had 11 starts for two wins, two seconds, and two thirds.

“Six out of the last seven races she’s placed, so she’s fit, healthy, and running well.”

Luna Dream has been nominated to race at Cranbourne this Sunday night.