ANNA Bay trainer Les Kosklin was washed out and almost powered out but still managed to land the $4000 John and Lesley Gibson Gold Nugget (2360m) at Tamworth Paceway yesterday.
Kosklin had nominated Honkey Lobell for the Tamworth harness Racing Club's feature race back in January but it was washed out.
Yesterday a major blackout at the track plunged the meeting into turmoil - until the Showmans Guild hooked up a generator on course to make sure the Paceway had power and the races could continue.
Honkey Lobell (6-4) powered his way to the lead two laps from home and was never headed, although Gypsey Jeb ($4.20) went within a half head of running him down.
Bertils Light (4-1) was a metre and a half away third.
Not only did Honkey Lobell win the $4000 race but he also picked up a $1000 gold nugget for his owners. It was his 100th race start and his 22nd win.
Guy Chapple drove Honkey Lobell but wasn't 100 er cent sure he had done the right thing when he moved the 10-year old gelding to the lead.
"I was lucky that Gypsy Jeb didn't find the lead" he said.
"I took the punt to go when I did but it was a massive run by Gypsy Jeb."
Les Kosklin has a massive reputation for getting any horse to win, that wasn't wasted on Chapple.
"I reckon he could be going well enough to win a maiden race," he joked.
"I thought I was gone at the 400m." Honkey Lobell kept giving.
"Beach training is working for him," Les Kosklin said.
"But his racing days are nearly finished. The old Honkey Lobell would have sprinted away from them today."
The Gold Nugget win also gave Jetstar Properties manager Charlie Montebello, back-to-back win in the race after winning last year with Montys Dream.