Tornado storms into millionaire status

By Michael Howard (HRV)

Tornado Valley has crashed through the million-dollar mark in brilliant style that has become the trotter’s trademark, with a flawless all-the-way performance last Saturday night.

The crushing win in the Aldebaran Park R C Freestone Trotters Free For All, the 39th of his 108-start career, saw the nine-year-old become the ninth Australasian trotter to amass seven figures in stake winnings, a relief and a thrill for trainer Andy Gath and driver Kate Gath.

It was also the headliner on a terrific night’s racing at Tabcorp Park, in which two late dashes claimed the Youthful Stakes and bold performances won heats of the Gordon Rothacker Memorial Championship.

The night belonged to Tornado Valley and connections shared a mix of relief with the result and optimism for what might still be to come.

“It was super special,” Kate Gath told TrotsVision. “To get it done was everything, really over the moon.”

While Andy Gath said the thrill wasn’t so much about passing the million-dollar mark as “bringing him back and showing that he’s still got plenty to offer”.

“It was a dominant performance, it wasn’t unexpected, but you still have to come and do it,” he said. “It’s a bit of a relief, but it’s great that he’s still got life in his legs.”

Tornado Valley was in a class of his own in the Group 3 over the middle distance, tearing from the gate in the style that has helped him build his stunning record.

There was little pressure throughout, and Kate Gath stretched the field with a 28.8-second third quarter before coming home in 28.3 to win by 5.6 metres from Aldebaran Tess, with Sundons Courage and Powderkeg completing the first four.

“Once I asked him, he was just off and gone and he got to the line really well,” Kate Gath said.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2021-12-07/29

in the 7 December 2021 edition
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pick up a paper around your town.