Turnbull quickly got into shape in the Tassie raid

Victorian horseman Craig Turnbull was unlucky to start his latest Tasmanian harness racing campaign at the weekend but appears well prepared for his main mission in 10 days.

Tatura’s Turnbull and his wife Bec Cartwright were successful in their only previous campaign in Tasmania when Hiranya (Players rejoice) won the 2022 Group 3 Tasmanian Derby.

This time they are targeting peloton number one Okanui Beach (Down the seaside) The $60,000 Gr 3 Dandy Patch will be available for 2YO Tasbred sires on November 2nd.

Okanui Beach, ridden by the couple’s daughter Abby, finished an unlucky but attractive fourth in the Dandy Patch Prelude at Hobart on Friday night. To watch a replay of the race, Click here.

But Turnbull got some consolation a few days later with a win in the heat of the Australian Women’s Drivers’ Championship in Launceston on Sunday night (October 20). Binalong Week victory (Always Bi Miki) secured victory in the championship for Washington State leader Denis Roberts.

Okanui Beach, ridden by successful NSW breeder-owner Doug Johnston, was caught wide early in the prelude before being scored and then struck and galloped in the closing stages. But he still finished strong and ran in fourth, less than nine meters clear.

“It was a tough watch,” Turnbull admitted.

“His main problem so far has been getting him settled and we thought a trip from him would benefit him for that reason. Finally, last night he settled in well, but everything else went wrong,” he said.

“Although there were positive moments. He rode up very well and traveled very well. He’s definitely going to be a good horse and hopefully that’s what he’ll grow into.”

Turnbull is at Mick Maxwell’s Devonport stables for the duration of his three-week campaign.

“I only have three horses here with me, so it’s a bit of a celebration for me – when Beck suggested it, I didn’t have to be asked twice!” Turnbull said.

“Mick actually bred Okanui Beach, so we cheated a little by bringing him back to where he was born. He’s really relaxed and I can take him on long walks and just do a little more with him.

“I’m delighted because he’s always worked hard in races, but on Friday night he seemed to change his behavior a little bit and that’s another real positive.”

Binalong Week’s victory in the women’s championship heat was the pacer’s third win in a row.

“He’s a very impressive horse, but he’s had a lot of problems with his legs, which, touch wood, seem normal at the moment,” Turnbull said.

“He’s doing well, and I decided to take him to Tessie to look after him while I have some time to devote to him.” He’s still learning the ropes and is still very inexperienced, so a trip won’t hurt him either.

“Another one I brought is Lady Beth Sheza (Art major) who is just my little “roadie” – wherever the truck goes, she’s in it! She is always there and appears here and there.”

Beth Sheza Lady finished second in her first Hobart outing on Friday night to Ranieri (Wayne Jol – Tiarna Ford) in Fehlberg’s Produce Sprintlane Pace.

Beck, Abby and employee Maddie Rae run the barn at home in Tatura.

“It’s a little quieter now, with just six or eight people working there,” Turnbull said.

“We’ve had a few two-year-olds come in who needed a break and a few older horses have been sent interstate since the news of the stakes (cuts) in Victoria, but there are plenty waiting to come back as soon as I get a home.”

To Terry Gangfor Harnesslink