As if a holiday in Port Douglas wasn't a nice enough way to start the year but local harness racing trainer Josh Turnbull really hit the jackpot when he flicked on the television to see his horses dead heat in the Ian Mutton Memorial (2260 metres) at Bathurst on Wednesday night.
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While his children were enjoying the cane toad races up in North Queensland, Turnbull was tuned into Sky Racing to watch his runners go around, though he nearly missed the exciting finish.
"To be honest I got the Queensland times mixed up and only just tuned in," he said.
READ ALSO: Turnbull adds to her long list of accolades
"It was good, they took the lot."
With the wide barrier eight draw no issue, Itsallaboutned flew out of the gate when the starter said go and was able to find the lead comfortably, with Turnbull's sister Amanda aboard.
From there, Turnbull's brother Nathan sent stablemate Annie Richter NZ forward to take over the leading position.
Able to get away with a slow first half, there was plenty of gas in the tank to finish off strongly but the five-year-old mare just couldn't quite keep her head in front of Itsallaboutned and had to settle with sharing the prize.
With Turnbull's wife Jess owning both runners, it was a great result and a real family affair.
"I was a bit surprised that Ned got across them," Turnbull said.
"When he did and the way they run the race it suited both of them and yeah, they couldn't split them at the end.
"I couldn't be happier."
Heading into the event, Turnbull thought Annie Richter NZ to be his best chance given she had drawn the better of the two.
The former New Zealand mare has now had six starts in Australia since purchased by Turnbull and has been quite consistent.
"She's been thereabouts running placings but that was her first win in Australia," he said.
Out of her six starts Annie Richter NZ has only missed a cheque once, having notched up a fourth, a third, two seconds and Wednesday night's win.
While Itsallaboutned has been in Turnbull's care for 45 starts and has won eight races and secured 12 placings in that time.
While Turnbull is enjoying his holiday in the sunny state, his father's employee Louise Regney has been in charge of his team.
Turnbull thanked her for the extra work she's had to put in to keep his team in top shape while he's been away, with her efforts clearly paying off.
With last season his best yet in the training department, Turnbull is off to a great start for 2022.
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Amy Rees
Journalist at the Western Advocate in Bathurst since May, 2021.
Journalist at the Western Advocate in Bathurst since May, 2021.
