Racing: Finally, Lang takes reins behind champ

Champion Australian driver Gavin Lang will partner Auckland Reactor in the A$1 million ($1.24 million) Interdominion Final on Saturday night.

The radical move was confirmed last night after trainer and regular driver Mark Purdon withdrew his appeal against a six-week suspension handed down earlier in the series.

Purdon had been hoping to drive Auckland Reactor himself under a stay of proceedings but that request was denied last night.

Purdon then decided he would rather concentrate on honing Auckland Reactor for Saturday night's final at Parklands Raceway than fighting to have his licence reinstated in time.

"So we have engaged Gavin for the horse and I feel very satisfied with that," said Purdon.

"He is a great driver and I am sure he will do the right thing by the horse.

"He is definitely on the horse - there will be no change."

The move caps a week of musical sulky seats for Auckland Reactor.

Purdon lost his chance to drive the champ when suspended last week for failing to move early enough in Auckland Reactor's heat on the opening night of the series.

His brother-in-law Tony Herlihy then drove Auckland Reactor to a stunning second night win and wanted desperately to partner the champion pacer in the final.

But Herlihy trains Gotta Go Cullen, who also qualified for the final, and Herlihy eventually gave into pressure to remain as that horse's trainer and drive him rather than transfer him to Queensland trainer Vic Frost, who has basically been training him anyway.

Purdon's stable number two driver Blair Orange was the next favourite for the drive after getting Purdon's endorsement but ultimately the stallion's owners wanted the more experienced Lang.

Lang has long been one of the greats of Australian racing but has never driven a realistic winning hope in an Interdominion Final.

And he has never driven for Purdon, with the pair more often feature-race foes.

He said last night he was humbled to be given the chance to drive the great Kiwi pacer.

"He is a wonderful horse and I feel honoured a trainer as great as Mark would want me to drive him," said Lang.

"The is the opportunity and honour of a lifetime."

Lang's expected engagement to drive Auckland Reactor - he had been the hot tip for the 24 hours leading up to the announcement - was one reason behind an avalanche of money for the champion pacer.

Huge bets all over Australasia have seen him move in from a best price of $3.20 to $2.90.

That has pushed Blacks A Fake out to $4.10 with some betting exchanges, with Changeover solid in the market around $5.50.

With Australian punters' love affair with Lang, his engagement to drive Auckland Reactor will ensure the 4-year-old starts favourite.

AUSSIE ON KIWI
* Champion Australian driver Gavin Lang is confirmed to drive Auckland Reactor in the Interdominion Final.
* Trainer Mark Purdon has withdrawn his appeal against a six-week suspension.
* Auckland Reactor has been heavily-backed into warm favouritism for Saturday's A$1 million final.