John O'Shea might have stolen the show with a winning treble at Parkes Harness Racing Club on Saturday but there was still plenty of success for Dubbo trainers and drivers on the night.
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O'Shea enjoyed his best day in the gig for 18 months when he drove the winner in three of the eight races on the card.
One of those wins came for Dubbo trainer Barry Lew, the pair combining with Great Presence in the fourth heat of the Parkes/Dubbo series.
Great Presence started a $1.35 favourite and justified that status as he led all the way in his 1660m race to win in the best mile rate of the night - a 1:59.8.
O'Shea's other two wins were extra special as they were for Tony Higgs, a trainer who gave the Bathurst reinsman a start many years ago.
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O'Shea won with Vincero ($5.50) and Count Montecarlo ($12) for Higgs.
"I actually had my first ever drive in a race for him 16 years ago and I don't think I've drove one for him since, not that I remember anyway, so that was really good," O'Shea said.
The last time O'Shea drove three winners at a meeting was on September 1, 2019 at Dubbo. On that day he got the job done aboard two favourites - Shes The Other One ($2.40) and Scaramucci ($2) - as well as surprising with $21 outsider Joeylew.
While O'Shea starred, the night began with a thrilling battle between the Pay brothers.
Tom and younger brother Jack, up-and-comers from the Dubbo family synonymous with the sport, produced an outstanding finish in the Quick Shine Carwash Pace (1660m).
Older brother Tom led all the way and won with the Mat Rue-trained Deal Breaker ($3.50 favourite) but Jack and the Michael Pay-trained Jacobs Thunder ($21) flew home after sitting third much of the trip to only be beaten by a short-half-head.
There was also a win for John Lew at Parkes.
With Greg Lew in the gig, $31 outsider Jogalong Blue caused a surprise in the Terry Brothers Pace (2040m).
