Hackett's last race drama at Cambridge

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk  

Top junior driver Crystal Hackett says she was "just a passenger" during an eventful finale to Cambridge's meeting last night. 

With a lap to go Hackett was leading with the hot favourite Herb in the NOC Slots Barrier Reveal 1st April Mobile Pace when "both reins just came back to me".

The bit holding the reins snapped leaving Hackett with no control. Goorambat Art, driven by Wilson House, was challenging for the lead at the time and the two horses briefly locked wheels before Herb speared to the front again. 

"I've never been in that situation before," says Hackett, "I thought oh shit I'm in a lot of trouble here." 

"He was free rein. I had nothing on the bit and no control whatsoever - I was just a passenger."

Immediately Hackett waved out for assistance, with the Clerk of the Course coming to her rescue.

"Sensation in the last," was how commentator Aaron White described it, "Herb is being taken out of the race by the Clerk of the Course."

"The Clerk did a super job," says Hackett.

"A lot of things could have gone terribly wrong," says Hackett, "and there was a big sigh of relief when I got into the stables and everyone was safe - so that was good."

Until then Hackett had been having a very successful night. She looked on course for a third winner with Herb after winning with Ragnar Lothbrok in the Lewis Lawyers Mobile Pace and Mazeppa in the Dunstan Horsefeeds Mobile Trot. 

With Herb out of the race Spirit of Waiheke powered home from out wide for driver Steph Burley to win to give trainer Matthew White a double for the night. He also trained and drove Power N Glory to victory in the Betavet Buildagut Mobile Pace.