Concession reinsman Bradley O’Keefe drove his first winner on Saturday night when Broadway Harry charged home to win the Book Xmas at Globe Derby Pace (1800m) at Globe Derby Park.
O’Keefe, 28, is from a strong Victorian harness racing family, and delighted to land his first winner.
“My family has been involved in harness racing for years,” O’Keefe said.
“My grandfather Jim was a trainer, my father Laurie is as well, my brother Kieran in a driver and my mum Dianne is the racing manager at the Terang Harness Racing Club.
“So you can see harness racing is in my blood. It eats away then eventually you say to yourself I have to have a go.”
Broadway Harry ($16.70) finished best to score by one metre from Plati ($4.40) with Goodsie ($7.90) 2-1/2 metres away third.
O’Keefe paid tribute to Globe Derby Park trainer Bronte Giorgio and his wife Maxine who have been a huge help since he came to South Australia.
“Bronte and Maxine have been fantastic and very encouraging.”
O’Keefe is employed as a fitter and turner at the Australian Submarine Corporation.
“We’re hoping to get a good response from the federal government about our future and I am enjoying life here in South Australia.”
The young/concession drivers race was again full of interest as most of them are.
There was action aplenty from gate release with the enthusiasm of several drivers ensuring there was always something happening.
“I was sitting back in the field bolting,” O’Keefe said.
“It was only a matter of getting to the outside and he sprinted strongly.”
Broadway Harry is trained by Toby Ryan at Roseworthy and has been a consistent pacer with Saturday night’s win being his 15th.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
