16-year-old reinsman gets his maiden success

Fourth-generation harness racing driver Luke Dunne had probably dreamed of his first winner since he was a little boy and at Kilmore on Thursday night it all became a reality.

The 16-year-old broke through for his maiden success in the sulky aboard Cobalt Blues, who is trained by his new boss Julie Douglas.

After settling three back the pegs from his barrier eight draw, Dunne was held up by tiring horses approaching the turn, but got the Mr Feelgood gelding into the clear with enough time to reel in Lottie Moon in the shadows of the post.

There had been good stable confidence around Cobalt Blues’ chances, said Dunne, whose breakthrough win came at his 11th race drive.

He has recently started full-time work with team Douglas and lives with fellow reinsman Jack Laugher in Bendigo.

The youngster is the son of former driver Kellie-Ann Dunne, who piloted over 100 winners including Shes An Image in the Group 1 Vicbred Super Series 2YO Trotters Final of 2011.

His grandfather Frank Dunne and great-grandfather Paddy Dunne were also reinsman.