An already breakout year has just got a lot better for young Cambridge driver Leah Hibell.
The 22-year-old yesterday claimed the second annual Hygain Revell Douglas Memorial (Junior Drivers) Series at Motukarara.
After four races in the North Island, Hibell headed south to the finale with a one-point lead over defending champion Alicia Harrison.
Both drivers were unable to add to their points tallies, with Hibell finishing 11th (Phone Tap), and Harrison eighth with stable-mate Mark Dunnett. That saw Hibell win the trophy with 48 points, with Harrison on 47. The top South island driver was fourth-placed Sam Thornley on 30.
“I’m kicking myself (for not placing higher) but I’m still really happy, ” Hibell said post race, “it’s amazing to win the Revell Douglas title and to be here to accept the trophy and meet everyone.”
The series is a tribute to well-respected trainer and administrator Revell Douglas, who drowned at Karioitahi Beach near Waiuku in January 2021. His father Don, mother Laura and sister Paula were all at Motukarara to present Hibell with the trophy.
For Hibell the win caps off a very successful few months.
She won her first race with Del Shannon for her employer Nicky Chilcott at Cambridge in October last year and has had five wins this year, again all for Chilcott. Katies Princess has won three times, and Mahia Dreamin twice. Hibell’s also had seven placings.
For taking out the series she wins a 10-day working holiday with top driver Pete McMullen in Queensland.
The top six in the Hygain Revell Douglas Series were :
Leah Hibell 48
Alicia Harrison 47
Crystal Hackett 35
Sam Thornley 30
Zev Meredith 25
Nathan Delaney 25
Immediately following the Revell Douglas Series race Harrison was successful with Aiming For Glory at big odds ($25.10) for her employers (Steve and Amanda Telfer and Hayden Cullen) in the Team Teal Mobile Pace. There were other big dividends on the day too – among them Royal Gamble ($25.10), and Let’s Go Ringo ($21.40).
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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