Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Coolup trainer Michael George turned 35 on Thursday and he celebrated the occasion by winning the $25,000 The West Australian Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night with his smart and consistent pacer Kimble.
Kimble, the $1.70 favourite and driven confidently by Stuart McDonald, was untroubled to set the pace from the No. 1 barrier, and after covering the final three quarters in 28.8sec., 28.3sec. and 28.3sec. he strolled to victory by a length from the $4.60 second fancy Valentines Brook, who finished strongly from sixth at the bell.
“He ran good sectionals, and now steps up to Free-For-All company,” said George. “He has ticked every box and I couldn’t be happier with him. I was a bit nervous before the race, but when he complements his track work and brings it to the races, I’m happy.”
The Victorian-bred Kimble, who is by American sire Western Terror, is wonderfully sound, but has problems with getting down on his rear bumpers, which is something that has been overcome by George by using a cohesive elastic bandage on both hind legs.
Kimble has raced 60 times for 14 wins, 20 placings and $248,393 in prizemoney.