Charli lands first win

The crowd roared as Lilbitahenrytee (Grinfromeartoear) crossed the line ahead of his harness racing rivals in the Park Douglas Printing Pace at Mildura on Anzac Day Eve.

And for good reason.

The victory brought up the first in the fledgling career of young reinswoman Charli Masotti who is the daughter of Lilbitahenrytee’s trainer Kate Attard.

The 19-year-old Masotti urged Lilbitahenrytee out of a favorable draw (barrier two) to find the early lead before handing up to Bilum who led into the home straight.

Masotti dared to dream half way down the straight as she pushed Lilbitahenrytee ($7.50) through an opening between the leader and Hesastar and the seven-year-old responded accordingly, charging at the line to score by a metre and a half from Auckland Lass.

Masotti acknowledged she heard the cheers from her family and friends in the grandstand as she saluted at her 31st race drive.

“I could hear the crowd and it was just an unreal moment when we crossed the line,” Masotti said.

“He loves it like that when he has a sit and has the last crack at them.” she said.

Masotti said her charge was travelling well on turning of home but in need of clear air.

“I was trying to find a gap and then one appeared so I put his legs through and I was yelling out to Ryan (Sanderson) because for a moment it looked as if I was going to come down,” she said.

Born in Broken Hill, Masotti moved to Mildura at the age of six and admits the lure of the horses has caused her to defer a university course.

“I started a primary education course at Ballarat Uni and left in June last year to do the horses,” she said.

Masotti said her future success in the sulky will determine whether or not she returns to study.

“I’ll see how far the horses take me,” she said.

Masotti said she has learned her craft from her mother and leading reinswoman Ellen Tormey.

“Mum has taught me a lot and Elle is someone I look up to,” she said.

“Ellen is awesome and has been really helpful.”

Lilbitahenrytee was bred by Justin Torney who passed away recently.

“I think Justin was with me during the race,” Masotti said.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink