By Matt Markham
She needs a final tick of approval from doctors but Natalie Rasmussen is confident she will be back in the sulky on Cup Day.
The incredible horsewoman was injured three weeks ago at Methven when a horse she was driving fell and despite driving an hour later and winning the Methven Cup with Messini, Rasmussen found out the next day she had in fact fractured her elbow in the smash and was reported to be side lined for six weeks.
But in a shock revelation at Wednesday’s Cup Trials at Addington the former trainer and driver of champion pacer Black’s A Fake confirmed she was intending to be back in the sulky on New Zealand harness racing’s biggest day.
“It’s feeling really good at the moment,’’ Rasmussen said of her elbow.
“The only time I have any issue with it is when I push something outwards, but when I’m bringing my arm back towards my body – like you are when you’re driving a horse it feels normal.
“I’ve got to go and see the doctor tomorrow (Thursday) and get the all clear but I’m pretty confident I’ll be fine to drive.’’
Should she return, Rasmussen will provide a timely boost for her co-trainer Mark Purdon as her ability in the sulky – especially on the big stage – is almost unmatched within the industry.
At yesterday’s trials, Rasmussen was in full work around the stables as the All Stars had 25 horses entered. That should have been enough to keep her mind off the track but she admitted she was finding it tough being on the side line.
“I don’t do well just sitting back and watching but I’m not rushing back because of that.
“I would be even thinking about it if I had doubts in my mind but I feel very confident that I’ll be right to drive.’’
Without 100 per cent certainty that she would be cleared, Rasmussen said if she was allowed to return she would look to take potentially only three drives on Tuesday. One of those would more than likely be Messini who caught everyone’s attention with his fast-finishing second in Monday’s Cup.
“I’d look to hopefully drive Messini, Chase The Dream and maybe one other.
“That would probably be enough I think.’’
Should she take the drive on Messini it would mean that Chris Alford’s return to Addington would be put on ice as he had been touted as the person to take the drive.
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