AMANDA RANDO | @Amanda_Rando
THERE is only one driver at Tabcorp Park Menangle today that can claim they have a 100 per cent winning strike rate.
And that is new talent Josh Gallagher.
The 16-year-old high school student began his professional driving career at Newcastle last Saturday night and wasted no time tasting success thanks to his front running drive on Our Quinn.
“I was a bit nervous before the race but when we went out on the track for the warm up the nerves went away,” Gallagher said.
“It was much different than driving at the trials, it was a lot tougher, but I always planned to go forward and the plan worked.”
A hero amongst his peers at St Gregory’s following the success, Gallagher is hoping to continue that trend for the KerryAnn Turner stable today.
Gallagher has been helping Turner before and after school and will be driving two of her horses today, starting with Sweet As in race six.
The former New Zealand mare had her first start in Australia last week and finished fourth in a mile rate of 1:53.6.
However, the daughter of American Ideal has drawn wider for today’s task in barrier 10.
“She went well the other day,” Gallagher said.
“From the wide draw you have to go back and see what happens.”
Gallagher will then drive Celestial Arden in race seven.
The gelding has won his last two starts on the Menangle track.
“He’s going super at the moment,” Gallagher said.
“He won on Saturday night at Menangle and looks well graded for this race.”
These will be Gallagher’s second and third drives, respectively.
The Menangle Park local started with Mini Trotters and began driving in trials last September.
“I’ve always wanted to make harness racing my career,” Gallagher said.
“I’m in Year 11 now and start Year 12 next term and will continue to help with the horses.
“I help feed up some mornings and every afternoon and then go to the stables on the weekend and help out.
“I’ve had ponies but I really like breaking them (horses) in but I’ll just stick to driving at the moment.”
Meanwhile the Turner stable started the new season with success landing a winner at Newcastle on Saturday night plus a double at Menangle on the same evening thanks to Celestial Arden and Fioki also greeting the judge.
Turner was the leading provincial trainer at Menangle last season, the leading female trainer in New South Wales and finished second amongst the state and metropolitan training premierships.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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