Jabiru Dancer Turns On Thrilling Bulli Effort For Illistom

Illawarra Mercury

Tuesday February 25, 2003

By DAVE MURRAY

FORMER Illawarra Mercury advertising representative Henno Illistom received his biggest thrill in harness racing when smart filly Jabiru Dancer put up a courageous performance to win the $30,000 Linden Huntley Little Memorial 2YO Fillies' Final at Bulli yesterday.

Jabiru Dancer, trained and driven by Illistom's Pheasants Nest neighbour Darren Hancock, survived a tough run in the death seat before winning narrowly.

Illistom had raced a few horses with Hancock but ``none as good as this filly".

The daughter of leading sire Stature confirmed her good second to Gypsy Doll in the heats seven days earlier by kicking strongly to defeat What About Now (Brian Hancock) and early leader Self Denial (Glenn McElhinney).

``Darren and I were at the bar at the (Australian) Gold Sale in Sydney when she walked past," Illistom said.

``We picked her up for $5500 and from the very first day she's showed us something. She's always been well mannered, safe and when Darren started working her she kept improving, improving, improving."

The race was marred by interference from a number of runners, including race favourite Gypsy Doll (Greg Bennett).

The Condell Park youngster galloped just after the start and again after racing around the field to tackle the leaders with 1000m to travel.

Stewards later barred the filly, and also Village Swinger, until they can trial without incident on at least two occasions.

Hancock was thrilled to win the race for Illistom but admitted being worried during the race. ``I didn't want to be there (death seat)," he said.

``I was going to let Greg (Bennett) go but then she (Gypsy Doll) galloped again.

``She does do everything right, she's a good race mare and she's got plenty of speed."

Hoofnote: Bulli Harness Racing Club president and well-known South Coast breeder Dick Mitchell was presented after the race with an appreciation plaque by Harness Racing NSW chairman Tony Murray for his years of dedication to the industry.

© 2003 Illawarra Mercury

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