20 July 2023 | HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL DUMESNY
THE first heat of this year’s Kari JC Caffyn Plate series for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander drivers within New South Wales was held at Young on Tuesday night.
The series, that has been run since 2010 involves indigenous drivers from all regions of the state, has proven a great promotion.
Western Sydney-based reinsman Lleyton Green struck first blood to take out the heat at Young aboard the Arthur Clancy-trained Rose Of Juliana, which will secure him a spot in the final to be held on September 2 at Tabcorp Park Menangle, the same night as the $2.1m TAB Eureka.
Green was up against some stiff opposition at Young that included multiple series winner Mckayler Barnes and locals Todd Day, Michael Day Jnr and Jess Prior.
But the talented horseman displayed his undeniable skill to get the four-year-old Bathurst mare home first with a perfect drive, finding the lead from gate eight after just 400 metres and then rating her perfectly over the 2100m trip.
Like all drivers that compete in the JC Caffyn Plate, Green was both honoured and thrilled to be given the opportunity to represent his family in the series, praising the organisers for its introduction.
“It is great to be a part of such a series,” said Green.
“Getting out there competing against other indigenous drivers who, like me, simply want to do our family and culture proud.
“I strive to reach the final every year and after winning the heat on Tuesday night I cannot wait for the final to roll around.
“Trainer Arty Clancy turned his mare out in great order, and she gave me her best, it was such a strong win.”
Green is a regular at Penrith on a Thursday evening, primarily driving for the McDowell family’s Allied Express Racing and tonight has two drives for them and another for Ross Adams.
His best winning chance appears to be Prince Of Peace in Race 5.
The five-year-old entire is coming off the back of a comfortable win at Newcastle where he came from midfield to score in a fast 1.55.5 and would only need to reproduce that effort to figure prominently again.
The second Team McDowell runner, Court On The Edge has not won a race since October, 2021 but did run a handy second at Penrith on June 1.
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