Jackie lands first Group One success

Talented young reinswoman Jackie Barker enjoyed the first Group 1 win of her harness racing career when she partnered Miki To Success (Always B Miki) to victory in the $100,000 Vicbred Super Series (3YO Colts & Geldings) Final at Melton. 

Barker gave the Emma Stewart trained Miki To Success the run of the race in the one out one back trail however the leader and stable mate Some American appeared set for victory on turning for home. 

Once wound up, Miki To Success unleashed a powerful finishing burst to grab the lead over the concluding stages to score running away in a slick mile rate of 1:52.9. 

GROUP 1 GLORY!
Driver Jackie Barker celebrates her first elite-level victory as the Emma Stewart-trained Miki To Success storms home to win the Art Major Vicbred Super Series final for three-year-old colts and geldings. pic.twitter.com/r3FWWD2ekt

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) September 14, 2024

The 28-year-old Barker was ecstatic after the race. 

“I’m over the moon, it’s unbelievable,” Barker said. 

Barker admitted the winner can provide a challenge to drive at times. 

“He’s a bit of a tricky fella but you can tell just looking at him that he’s a lovely horse, once he switches on and gets his mind on the job he is going to be something special,” she said.  

“It just makes all those scary times worth it tonight.” 

Barker said Miki To Success is an emerging stayer. 

“He is a bit arrogant in a lot of ways, around the turn he was flat and chasing but he just keeps coming,” she said. 

“Every run he feels gone but he keeps coming and he just came past them tonight.” 

Barker recently drove her 500th career winner and is enjoying her best season in the sulky. 

“It’s been a really good season for me and I’ve been lucky and this is just the icing on the cake,” she said. 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink