McCarthy masterclass guides Don Hugo to Eureka glory

LARRIKIN entrepreneur John Singleton was the first and biggest supporter of the $2.1 million TAB Eureka and now he's won the world's richest harness race.

Singleton, who locked-in a slot as soon as they became available, used that slot on Don Hugo, which led throughout to beat a stellar field at Menangle last night.

The win continued champion horseman Luke McCarthy's perfect record in the TAB Eureka. He trained and drove Don Hugo last night and drove Encipher to win last year's inaugural running.

"This is big. I said winning last year was one of my biggest thrills, but to train and drive the winner this year is next level," McCarthy said.

"This race is such a great thing for the sport, look at the crowd and atmosphere here, and to win the first two and have a place in history is pretty special."

McCarthy summed-up the race perfectly, pushing forward from a wide draw and taking the lead from Wisper A Secret.

"I got away with a comfy run in front and knew he'd be hard to beat," he said. "I didn't go out with a plan, but when I saw the opportunity to keep going forward and get the front, I took it.

"He's just kept improving in each campaign this horse.

"He raced so well through the big Queensland (winter) races and I was thrilled when he got ‘Singo's' slot."

· Adam Hamilton is a paid contributor writing on harness racing for News Corp.

Luke McCarthy sends Don Hugo to victory in The Tab Eureka. Photo: Jason McCawley/Getty Images.