By Jonny Turner
Mark Hurrell will head to Ascot Park on Sunday chasing more success after enjoying the biggest thrill of his career.
Hurrell started a wave of southern success at Addington on Friday night when he teamed up with Beach Day to win the Listed Uncut Gems Mares Classic.
The victory brought up the reinsman’s first black-type win, marking a career highlight.
“That’s my first major race win — first in a Group or listed race — so it’s probably the biggest thrill I’ve had,” Hurrell said.
Trainer Greg Hunter also notched his first black-type win with Beach Day’s victory.
Hurrell has formed a great partnership with Hunter since his shift to work for the Craig Ferguson stable in recent seasons.
The reinsman paid tribute to Hunter for his outstanding results with his small team.
“He’s a great fella, Greg, and he does a stellar job with his horses,” Hurrell said.
“His strike rate is second to none, and when he lines his horses up, they’re always fit and healthy.”
Few have questioned Beach Day’s talent throughout her short career, but she has shown plenty of quirky tendencies.
However, at Addington on Friday night the pacer had her mind firmly on the job.
“She’s a top horse, but she’s always had a few tricks,” Hurrell said.
“She hates being in front — she knocks off and pulls up when she goes past other horses.”
“She still has a bit of ringcraft to work on. She was great at Addington, and if she can keep doing that, she’ll be a top horse.”
Hurrell is looking for more success with his three drives at Ascot Park on Sunday.
Share A Dream clearly rates as the best of them, despite disappointing in his last start.
“I think he’ll be tough to beat — sitting parked last time wasn’t his go.”
“Hopefully, we can drive him like we did when he won the start before that.”
“He’s pretty quick, so if he gets the right trip, he has the speed to be finishing over the top of them.”
Glenkenick looks good enough to run a solid race for Hurrell, but starting from the unruly is a major disadvantage for the pacer.
“He’ll win one — they need to go hard and not run home too quickly.”
“Once he gets off the unruly and gets a good draw, he should get one.”
Hurrell also links up with Foxing Easton, who looks a rough hope on Sunday.
