Steve Clarke's big night at Addington

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

With a win and a third at Addington last night, co-trainer Steve Clarke had his best day at the races in 36 years.

Clarke, who trains in partnership with daughter Hayley Stewart, got the night off to a promising start with Big Al finishing third in Race 2, the Syncroflex Ha Complete Trot and then won the next very race, the Syncro-Gastro Pace with The Town Of Light.

At double figure odds, The Town Of Light slotted into the one-one before peeling out just before the home turn. He then  wore down the pace-making Ultimatum by a nose.

"Some of the others weren't sure if he'd got up but I've seen thousands of races at Addington and was straight to the winner's circle," says Clarke.

It was the Sweet Lou six-year-old's maiden win at start number 25.

A hobby trainer based at Norwood, 20 kilometres south of Christchurch,  Clarke  had driven both horses in most of their other starts but it was Sam Thornley in charge of both last night.

"We just thought that with The Town Of Light in particular he needed a change," says Clarke, "he's not a speed horse and being more of a stayer we thought that Sam would suit him."

Big Al's race also saw another top drive from Thornley. He secured the trail and then took the passing lane and looked to be a contender but couldn't pick up leader and favourite Kowhai Sunset with Didn't Di producing a massive finish to grab second, just a half neck from the winner.

"He's a good driver," Clarke said of Thornley, "he's likeable and is excellent with feedback."

It was just the second win for the Clarke-Stewart partnership following Big Al's win at Addington last year.

Clarke also trained 11 winners on his own account between the mid 1980s and 2019. At Westport in 1992 he had a win with Speedy Time and a second with Curly's Pride. That remains his best ever day at the races.

"These things don't come around all the time so you really have to celebrate them," says Clarke.

Among those congratulating Clarke post race was one of the owners Chris Chandler who's based in Dubai.

"He said he was watching the race 'from the war zone'."

The Town Of Light's win also completes a treble of sorts. Clarke bought The Town Of Light ($4000), Big Al ($4900) and T K Nihilator ($3000) at the Covid-restricted NZB Standardbred All Age Sale in 2020.

"All three are now race winners so that is pretty cool," says Clarke.