by Mike Love, Harness News Desk
Peter Davis achieved his 500th driving win at Addington Raceway yesterday when Kink won race 4, the Belfast Vet Clinic Handicap Trot, and then wasted no time in adding to his lifetime total.
“It was good. After driving the first winner you’d never expect you’d go on to drive 500!”
Kink, a four-year-old Love You gelding, raced without cover for the majority of the race, before running into the lead from the 700m, holding off all challenges to win by half a neck.
“He raced well in a better race last week. It was a gutsy run today.
“He’s been a revelation. He’s just got better and better.”
It did not take long for Davis to pick up his 501st driving win when Loch Lomond won race 6, the Dream It National Mobile Pace.
Loch Lomond, a Rock N Roll Heaven three-year-old, raced parked throughout, calling on all his reserves at the business end to win by three quarters of a length.
“He’s been a frustrating horse! But today he went like he works at home. He didn’t have much luck but showed his guts.”
Loch Lomond’s win made it a double on the card for trainer, and Davis’ partner, Margo Nyhan.
Davis drove his first winner in 1978 for the late Henry Skinner trained Errol’s Lass at Gore. Davis says Real Force winning the 1990 Interdominion Trotters Grand Final at Addington Raceway has been the pinnacle of his driving career so far.
“Winning the inter-dominion was pretty memorable. But every win is all good!
“All we try to do is go out there and drive each horse to the best of your ability.
“The bottom line is you are appreciative of every opportunity you’ve been given by owners and trainers.”
Davis to date has driven 501 winners, with total stake earnings of over $4 million.