By Matt Markham
For Darren Keast a career outside of the harness industry was never an option. After growing up around the race courses of the South Island, the only option was all in or not in at all.
Thankfully, for the industry, Keast has stuck with his heart and despite his still relatively young age, he is making a good first at a career in the sulky.
And last Thursday night at Addington, things really kicked off when he drove his first winner at the Rangiora meeting.
On board Jeanie Pops for trainer Nigel McGrath, Keast pulled all the right reins and produced a perfect drive to get his career underway.
“I don’t think you’ll be able to get this smile off my face for a while,’’ Keast said after the race. “It’s been something I’ve been dreaming about doing for quite a while and now that I’ve done it I can say that it’s better than I ever imagined it would be.’’
The son of well-known horseman, Jamie Keast, Darren took a big risk a few years ago when he packed up at the meagre age of 15 and headed to Australia to further his harness racing education.
He spent time learning off Belinda and Luke McCarthy and then with Bart Cockburn in Queensland. But the desire was always to eventually end up back in New Zealand to really get things moving.
“I was over there for about two and a half years and loved every minute of it. “I learnt so much during that time and was lucky enough to be able to work beside some great people.’’
When an opening became available working for West Melton trainer, Cran Dalgety, Keast jumped at the opportunity and is now near the end of his second month within the stable.
“It’s a pretty incredible place to work and I’m learning so much. It’s been great.’’
After having his first few drives over in Australia, Keast took almost as many starts back here in New Zealand before he was able to finally crack the duck. But the wait was worth it.
Having his Dad on course to witness the win was another special aspect of the night for Keast as Jamie has, understandably, been Darren’s biggest supporter.
“Dad has been great for bouncing ideas off and talking about different things. I owe him a lot.’’
With his first win out of the way, Keast is now planning on ensuring there are more winners to come during this season.
Young drivers often find that once their first success comes about that others generally follow. “I’m just happy going along as I am now, obviously I am keen to drive a lot more and hopefully get a few more winners.
“But I’m enjoying what I’m doing so that’s the main thing.’’
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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