By Matt Markham
Laura McKay’s love of horses led her to the harness racing industry. And she’s pretty happy it did.
The young horsewoman took the first step toward a long and fruitful career in the industry yesterday when she reined home her first winner, Kowhai Whiz, at the Rangiora Harness Racing Club’s meeting.
The win came much to the delight of many of McKay’s family and friends who were on hand to witness her first winning drive in what was only her third race day drive.
The grand-daughter of well-known harness racing identities, Clive and Rona McKay, Laura said she had no intention whatsoever of working in harness racing until about four years ago. “I’d left school and wasn’t exactly doing a lot,’’ she said.
“I’d always loved horses and being around them. But I hadn’t really thought about working in harness racing. “I went to the races a few times, but mainly just because I liked horses.
“When I left school my grandparents asked if I wanted to go and work in a stable to see what it was like. “I went to Cran Dalgety’s and was only supposed to be there for six months but ended up staying three years.’’
After her time with Dalgety, McKay changed tact slightly and ventured over the Tasman to do a stint with Kerry-Ann Turner and Robbie Morris before returning back to New Zealand recently and teaming up with Mark Jones.
It was Jones who gave her the first race day drive a few weeks ago aboard Fair Dinkum Bromac and it was Jones again who produced Kowhai Whiz yesterday, taking advantage of a junior driver concession.
“Mark has been great, he doesn’t say a lot but you know he’s there to help and I’m just really grateful for the opportunity to drive horses for him.
“I’m pretty lucky too in the fact I’ve got Sam Ottley to talk to about driving, she’s helped me out a lot.’’
McKay didn’t need many pointers after yesterday’s race though as she judged her drive on Kowhai Whiz to perfection – sitting at the back of the field before launching at the 800 metre mark and never looking back.
He surged to the front at the top of the straight and ran to the line strongly – with a grinning McKay sitting pretty behind him.
“It’s a pretty awesome feeling, but the horse deserves a bit of credit. “He’s fresh up and won like that, it’s a big effort.’’
The win was also a pick-me-up for Kowhai Whiz’s owners, John and Jill Hartnell.
They enjoyed success at Kaikoura on Monday when Dynamic Party won fresh up but unfortunately upon returning home after the meeting it was discovered he had suffered a tendon injury – bringing a premature end to his racing career.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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