Nathan Turnbull showed why he is currently the leading trainer at Dubbo Harness Racing Club by taking out Wednesday night’s feature event at the track.
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Turnbull drove favourite Destiny Warrior to victory in the Dubbo RSL Club Pace Final (2120m), the fifth and what turned out to be last race of the night.
A blackout in sections of Dubbo resulted in the lights going out at at Dubbo Paceway, plunging the track into darkness and leaving no choice but to abandon the final four races of the night.
But there was no stopping Turnbull and Destiny Warrior, getting to the lead midway through the journey after starting from gate nine and going on to win by 1.1m.
“It’s always tricky from the back row but we were lucky enough to just let them find their spots and go around, catch them napping and go to the lead,” Turnbull said after the win.
“And from there he was able to go on with it so made my job easy.
“Once I got to the front I knew he’d take some catching.”
After a steady start to the race, it all worked out perfectly for Turnbull midway through when he was able to peel to the outside and easily move forward and take the lead from early leader Satellite Village ($27.80).
Steve Turnbull and Ponte Milvio ($5.90) also sat towards the front but Destiny Warrior was in complete control.
The field came at Turnbull late on but he kicked on to win in a mile rate of 2:00.08 from Satellite Village while hometown hope Guts ($8.50), trained and driven by Nathan Carroll, was third.
The win continues Destiny warrior’s fine run of form since joining Turnbull’s stable.
Previously trained in Victoria by Phillip Walters, the six-year-old gelding has not missed a place in his past six starts.
“A few good mates bought him from Melbourne for cheap and since he’s been here his first race here he crashed in,” Turnbull said.
“But since then he’s run four seconds and now won two so he’s been super little earner for them.”
It also continued Turnbull’s own success at Dubbo Paceway.
“I’m having a good run here, leading trainer for awhile but Dad will catch me sooner or later,” he smiled.
“But I’m having a good run and as long as you’re winning everyone is happy.”
In terms of Destony Warrior’s immediate future, Turnbull said there is “nothing set in concrete at all”.
“Everyone wishes they could go to Menangle one day but we’ll just see,” he said.
“If he keeps on improving, who knows. He went two minutes tonight over longer distance and came from the back so that’s a good run.”
Amanda and Emma Turnbull also scored wins in the first six races.