27 March 2019 | Paul Courts
“I NEED to wear a helmet when she’s driving!”
That was the quip from Robbie Caton as he sat in the passenger seat with Tiana McMahon holding the steering wheel leaving Globe Derby last month.
To the delight of Our El Nino’s connections, however, McMahon was the driver when the couple returned to the venue Monday.
After the veteran gelding caused a minor upset McMahon’s performance in the sulky was widely praised, including one Twitter user referring to the drive as Gavin Lang-esque.
“For any young driver wanting to know how to drive one, watch Tiana McMahon’s drive on Our El Nino,” Durnberger tweeted.
“Was patient as they come…literally centimetre precision 10/10.
“I thought it was Gavin Lang driving, so relaxed/patient.”
Making his debut for Caton, Our El Nino was settled in the perfect one-one position from barrier two as Arnoux led and Altana Blue worked in the ‘death seat’.
With Altana Blue striding clear of the pack around the final bend, McMahon stalked the favourite by angling Our El Nino onto the pegs before making her move at the top of the home straight.
Finishing stoutly the son of Live Or Die completed a metre-and-a-half win from Altana Blue, with Major Kiwi five-and-a-half metres away third.
Rating 1:59.8 over 1800 metres, Our El Nino provided part-owner John Carroll with his maiden win.
“It was a gem of a drive from Tiana,” Caton said. “She set up the win.”
With no major plans in mind for the 12-year-old Caton will continue to find suitable targets.
“I’ll just find another claimer for him,” Caton said. “Hopefully he can pick up a few wins along the way.”
Article & Photo By PAUL COURTS
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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