22 December 2022 | HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL DUMESNY
LLANDILO reinsman Seaton Grima continues to make a name for himself within the driving ranks in the Sydney region following another solid season.
With just days remaining, the 19-year-old has notched up 37 winners in 2022, four more than his 2021 score.
“I set myself a goal to better last season’s tally, so it has been a good season,” said Grima.
“I work full time as an apprentice cabinetmaker by day and the horses are my hobby outside of work, which I am very passionate about.
“Getting that number of winners is unreal and is very satisfying for me.”
Seaton had one of his best nights at the track last Saturday when he landed a double at Tabcorp Park Menangle, combining with his good friend, trainer Joe Conolly.
Grima has been Conolly’s stable driver since he obtained his license in 2019 and the pair have become a formidable combination.
Their winning double came as no surprise on Saturday as both Doubtless Bay and Loyalist were sent out as favourites in their respective races.
But it took contrasting drives from Grima to get the pair home, proving his diversity and talent as a reinsman.
“It was great to land a metropolitan double,” he said.
“Both these horses had been racing super leading into last weekend and they produced their best on the night.
“Doubtless Bay ran a huge race from the front end and fought on gamely to win.
“But the win of Loyalist was breathtaking.
“After he drew so poorly, our plan was always to go back at the start and drive him cold, tactics that worked for us in his heat win.
“The pace was on up front in the final and I expected him to fly home.
“But he had it all to do from the turn and just stuck his nose out where it counted.
“I feel that his versatile racing style can take him a long way.
“He can lead or track speed, either way he is quite comfortable.”
The Connolly-Grima combination has just one runner at Penrith tonight in the shape of Brydon Earl, a winning chance in Race 3.
Numerically his form reads poorly, but from gate two, it is expected that the gelding will lead and be had to catch.
Merrywood Tony (Race 7) appears to be the best bet on tonight’s program.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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