05 July 2019 | Dan Costello
16-year old Angus Garrard is on the board after just thirteen race drives securing his first TAB winner at Albion Park last Friday afternoon.
As the gates folded for the fourth race on the program young Garrard had 5-year-old mare Kylie Bromac ($11) quickly away landing the back of $2.20 race favourite Headwin driven by Trent Moffat. Enjoying the sit behind the leader Garrard sat quite as a church mouse until entering the home straight before sending the mare along the sprint lane to challenge for the lead. Under the urgings of Garrard, Kylie Bromac gained the upper hand to record a 1.5 metre win over Headwin with Impetuoso ($14) and Nathan Dawson a further 12.6 metres back.
After the race Garrard was ecstatic that his first win was behind a horse that was owned by his father (Daren) and mother (Gayle) saying “they have been my biggest supporters all the way, I’m just so pleased that I could get my first win with one of the family horses”.
Garrard is a graduate of the Queensland Junior Harness racing ranks and collected wins in features throughout Australia including three Mini Miracles in Sydney.
Garrard was due to have his first race drive on his birthday Sunday July 16 but a lighting issue at the Redcliffe track delayed his milestone event till the following Tuesday at Albion Park.
“My 16th birthday couldn’t have come quick enough, finally I’m living my dream. I finished down the track with my first drive and now I’ve got my first win out of the way I just want to keep improving and get more drives. I’ve been fortunate that some really good horsemen and women have helped me along the way” Garrard said.
Apart from his mum and dad there were none prouder of Angus’ achievement than his grandparents Chris and Maureen saying “we are absolutely thrilled to bits, he’s worked hard at it and it is very well deserved” .
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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