Cressy trainer Cameron Thompson revealed after the race that he and part-owner Jeff Chugg first tried to buy the six-year-old about 12 months ago.

“He sold for $20,000 which was more than we were prepared to pay,” Thompson explained.

“But we saw him advertised again online about a month ago and this time we were able to buy him pretty cheaply.”

After his first sale, Tammany Hall left the Anthony Cummings stable and was sent to Queensland where he had five starts without success for new trainer Natalie McCall.

“I spoke to Anthony before we bought him and he said that if the horse stayed 100 per cent sound he’d win in open company in Tasmania,” Thompson said.

“One of the reasons we bought him was because he’d shown he liked soft tracks and we thought he’d be suited at Elwick and Mowbray.

“But we thought we’d try him here (on the synthetic track) and we’ve been surprised how well he’s handled it.”

After a fast-finishing fourth to Willby Rules at his Tasmanian debut, Tammany Hall, ridden by Anthony Darmanin, easily accounted for a smart field in Sunday’s Benchmark 72 Handicap.

Tasracing’s code development manager of harness racing, Kevin Neilson, retires this week after 15 years in the position.

Neilson’s involvement in harness racing began in 1975 when he worked as a stablehand for legendary Wynyard trainer-driver Darrell Alexander.

He took out his own licence in 1978-79 and, working in partnership with his father Ron, won 240 races including the George Johnson (Silver Liska), three Burnie Cups (Diamond Man, Silvernetto and Burlington Bertie) and two Ulverstone Cups (Red Dart and Westorado).

Red Dart went from maiden to favourite for the Easter Cup in one season while Westorado was the last horse to beat Sinbad Bay in Tasmania.

Neilson had to relinquish his licence when he joined Tasracing in 2002.

He said he would remain in touch with harness racing but was “looking forward to a good, long break.”

Tasracing will advertise shortly for a replacement.