Bouquets for Al and Cassie after Northview Hustler climaxes a memorable weekend

Northview Hustler climaxed a memorable weekend for trainer Al Barnes when he unleashed a brilliant sprint to win at Albion Park on Saturday night.

But with Barnes and his family on the Gold Coast for the wedding of his daughter Cassie, the entire job was left to Adam Richardson who picked up the Hustler from Marburg, took him to the track in Brisbane, drove the perfect race on the horse, then took him home again.

Barnes and his sons Hayden and Brendan were left in the unfamiliar role of spectators, managing to watch the race live amid the wedding celebrations.

“It made for a great night,” said Barnes today. “It’s harder when you’re relying on someone else to do the job and I’m very grateful to Adam.

Northview Hustler and Adam Richardson are simply too fast for their rivals.“And he drove the perfect race on Hustler who once again showed how strong he is, with as much stamina as he has speed.”

The race couldn’t have been scripted better for the stand-in driver who, just as Barnes predicted, ended up three deep on the markers after first Italian Delight took the lead, then handed up to Watch Pulp Fiction.

But not long after commentator Chris Barsby noted that the Hustler was in a jam, the parked favourite Major Cam started to drop away rapidly at the 600 - later found to have bled from both nostrils - leaving the way clear for Richardson to make his move.

And, incredibly, when nothing improved from the back, Richardson was able to wait until the exact moment he wanted to unleash the Hustler, who motored round like a Rolls Royce when he pressed the button inside the 300.

And the Hustler sustained his sprint all the way down the home stretch, reeling in Mach Alert, Italian Delight and Watch Pulp Fiction, who over-raced badly, leaving him without a finishing sting.

The Hustler was credited with a 3.2 metre winning margin and the fast time of 2:31.8 for the 2138 metres, a terrific mile rate of 1:54.3.

Northview Hustler, widest, sails past Italian Delight, Watch Pulp Fiction and Mach Alert near the line.With a swift second quarter of 28.7 and closing sectionals of 29 and 27.2, the Hustler was right in his element, utilising what Barnes agrees is the fastest 200 metres of all the free-for-allers going round at the moment in the state.

The win, his fifth since arriving in Queensland, boosted his Australian earnings by A$7990, taking his campaign bankroll since May to A$53,100.

His career tally now stands at $182,897, the result of 13 wins and eight placings from 54 starts.

Northview Hustler’s win was Barnes’ third win in three days for Lincoln Farms after Queensland debut successes by new recruits Billy Lincoln and Sir Tiger.

“Hopefully that will encourage them to send me a couple more horses!”