6 days ago
Hurrell in form after quiet patch
The Southern Surge could prove a key point in Mark Hurrell's year in the sulky.
The reinsman was in red-hot form on the first day of the new series, winning three of the last four heats at Winton on Sunday.
Hurrell's 2025 had been reasonably quiet up to that point, but the reinsman has returned in the best possible form from a trip to Australia which included seeing his beloved Canberra Raiders maintain their spot at the top of the NRL ladder.
Hurrell's treble included his first win for the Brett Gray stable and his first win with Amber Hoffman since 2022, while he also continued his great recent association with Tyler Dewe.
"I have been driving for a few different stables lately and it has been great.
"That was my first winner for Brett, I have picked up a few drives for him.
"I haven't driven for Amber in a while so that was good too."
"Kirstin [Green] has been putting me on some nice chances and Tyler's team has been in great form too.
"The first half of the season was a little bit quiet but it is good to be getting good books lately."
Hurrell and Dewe have Share A Dream in the best possible form after what initially was a frustrating return to racing.
"He has taken a wee bit to get ironed out.
"We probably drove him a bit upside down to start with and his gait wasn't the best earlier on but it has been improving.
"He's fast and he is best driven for one run and he is happy doing it.
"He's been earning good money doing it that way and hopefully he can continue it."
Hurrell had not driven Major Art in his starts leading into his win on Sunday.
The pacer had gone two big races at Winton when winning and then running fourth.
When Hurrell jumped on and landed a sweet trip in the one-one for the Hoffman-trained pacer, the result was as expected.
"He had been going big races sitting parked."
"When I pulled him out he felt like the winner, even though Rightazz got close."
"It was the fastest time of the day too. It shows how well he is going."
Hurrell completed his winning treble when steering Ultimate Cullect to a front-running win in Sunday's final heat.
"We were able to get away with a little bit in the middle of the race, even though Tabasco kept us a little bit honest."
"She sprinted a sharp quarter and nothing could make ground."
"She deserved to win. She had been going quite well without much luck."
Hurrell has plenty to look forward to in the Southern Surge judging by his results during the first round of heats.
