Chanelle Lawson Photography
Junior driver Alicia Harrison had a night to remember at Cambridge Raceway on Thursday night, securing a winning double at her local track.
Harrison opened her account on the night behind Mohs Em Down in the Breckon Farms 2019 Te Awamutu Cup (2700m) for trainer Barry Purdon.
It was the first time Harrison has donned the famous colours and she duly rewarded the renowned trainer’s faith with a winning result.
“It was a real privilege,” Harrison said. “It was really good of Barry and Katrina (Purdon) to give me the drive.”
The Cambridge horsewoman was excited to get the drive and was taking some confidence out of Moh Em Down’s last start placing at Cambridge Raceway over 2700m.
“I thought he ran on really strong in a good graded race the week before, but I also thought that unless he settled really handy, he would need a lot of luck,” Harrison said.
With those tactics in-mind Harrison was able to give Mohs Em Down an economical run after he started well from his 10 metre handicap.
With 500m to go Harrison elected to improve her charge three-wide from her midfield position and Mohs Em Down was able to run on to win by 1-/14 lengths over Shillelagh, with a further head back to Baileys Knight in third.
While not the biggest win of her career, Harrison was delighted win the local Cup victory.
“It’s right up there,” she said. “The best moment in my career was winning the New Zealand Junior Drivers Champs, but it’s definitely in the top three or four.”
Harrison secured a winning double with an all the way victory behind Young Conqueror in the John Villiger Memorial Mobile Pace (2200m) for employer Arna Donnelly.
It was win number six for the son of Mach Three and Harrison was pleased for his connections.
“He went super and I was really rapt for Arna and his owners,” she said. “He has been really unlucky, so it was good to get one for them.”
Harrison is hoping her winning ways continue and she is eyeing the North Island spot in the Australasian Young Drivers Championship later this season.
“I would like to aim to win the Northern (Junior Drivers) Premiership and that would qualify me for the Australasian Young Drivers Champs series again, which was a really good time last year. That would be my main aim for the season,” she said.
The talented reinswoman is also excited about the prospects of Shirley Bassey, a two-year-old Bettor’s Delight filly she bought at the inaugural NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale in February.
“I am really happy with her,” Harrison said. “She worked up really nicely first time in at Arna’s.
“She has just had three months in the paddock and she will be back in for a more serious prep.” – Cambridge Raceway
Race Replay: Mohs Em Down and Alicia Harrison win the Breckon Farms 2019 Te Awamutu Cup (2700m)
