Heading into the last race of the night Bruce Harpley had the idea of giving Hull a wave if he was in a winning position, but didn't like his chances in the Evolution Series heat.

However Slick Blaster powered home late to swamp his rivals to book a place in the final at Menangle on January 25.

"I said I'd have to give Hully a wave if I could win, but didn't I would be winning or having my hands free to do so but I still did," Harpley said.

"It was all about Hully for me, the owners are happy as they got their bonus, but I've grown up listening to Hully's calls all my life.

"He's the best that I've listened to and what he has done for harness racing in this area is immeasurable really.

"He has put them on the map and everyone knows Hully and his voice and his quick wit with his sayings over the races.

"He is going to be extremely hard to replace and will be sorely missed in our industry as he's probably calling just as good now as he has ever called but he's got to call it at some stage."

Hull was very appreciative of the salute as he signed off.

It was Slick Blaster's second win from 10 starts to date.

He also set a new career best mile rate of 1:55.0.

He's compiled three minor placings as well, but Harpley isn't sure the penny has dropped just yet with the son of Caribbean Blaster.

"He's got raw ability, is a good moving horse when he concentrates but he is just going to take a while to mature," Harpley said.

Hull was honoured on the Riverina Paceway track after Glamors Symbol took out the Happy Retirement Allan Hull Pace (1740m).

He calls his final meeting at Murrumbidgee Turf Club on Australia Day before his final harness call at Albury five days later.

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