Career best effort for rising star

Hunter Valley reinswoman Grace Panella is a star on the rise in New South Wales harness racing.

On Thursday afternoon Panella set a new career-best when she drove four winners on a nine-race program at Tamworth, which took her season tally to 37, which was 12 more than she achieved in the previous season.

“It was a surreal feeling when I crossed the line for my fourth winner,” said Panella.

“I have worked hard to better myself in the gig this season and I am starting achieve some goals that I have set myself.

“But the most gratifying part of it is that owners and trainers are gaining more faith in me to drive their horses, which is obviously contributing to my success.

Grace is the younger sister of successful driver Lauren Tritton, who is now based in the United States.

And the grounding and mentorship she gained from Lauren and Shane Tritton, and now Clayton Harmey for whom she works, is paying off in spades.

“I have always been fortunate to have such talented people to seek advice from,” she said.

“It is pretty cool that Lauren and Shane are just a phone call away.

“I take on board their constructive feedback, they rarely miss watching the races I drive in.

“The support base I have locally is also a major contributor to my success.

“My partner Blake Hughes is one of my fiercest competitors, but at the same time he is so supportive of me.

“And my mum Kristen and of course Clayton (Harmey) are wonderful to me.

“It is very comforting to have them in my corner.”

From an early age, the now 19-year-old Panella gained valuable experience working with Darren McCall and Darren Binskin . . . both horsemen who have met with considerable success in the sport.

Today Grace will be hoping to continue on her winning way when she takes the reins in eight of the nine races on a busy day at Newcastle.

Her growing popularity is highlighted by the fact that she is driving for five different trainers this afternoon.

But her best drive appears to be Comet Crusader (Race 6 ), who is chasing four wins on the bounce.

“Comet is a lovely colt to drive and is presently flying for Clayton,” said Panella.

“Barring bad luck, I see no reason why he cannot win again.”

To view complete fields for Newcastle click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW