Corey riding high this time

The eldest siblings of the well-known O’Donoghue harness racing family at Shepparton were hours away from each other last Friday (Jan. 20) — both passionately chasing their dreams.

And while Corey, 25, posted his first driving winner at the TABcorp Park, Melton meeting, older brother Jono was hard at work in the rodeo arena at Bendigo.

“It was a really good thrill to get the money with Jacksboy (Art Major). His first-up effort was great and then he followed up with a pleasing trial, so I went into the race with a fair bit of confidence,” Corey said.

And while it was only his fifth race drive, he showed the judgement of a far more experienced reinsmen. Settling down in the back half of the field, Jacksboy was sent forward three-wide to the front travelling down the back straight for the final time, before careering away to an impressive 22-metre victory.

Meanwhile at the Bendigo Showgrounds, brother Jono was part of the spectacular action put on by M5Rodeo promotions in conjunction with McPhee Rodeo Company.

“Jono is right into the bull riding. I’ve never been inclined, but he loves it. He’s been doing it for over two years now,” Corey said.

“After being at the Bendigo event, he travelled to Penola in South Australia the following night and competed there. So far, he’s been lucky and has only copped a few bruises.

“Jono is a builder by trade, but if he’s around the stables he will always lend a hand. We’ve got another brother Paddy, who is a plumber, and sister Ella is studying to be a teacher. They’re also willing to help and they’ll do the feed-ups.”

Corey said despite always being interested in following his father Steve into harness racing, he was told to firstly get a trade behind him.

“I would have been only 12 or 13 when I got to sit in a sulky for the first time. The horse was No Encore, which was pretty much bombproof,” he said.

“So later I went and become a refrigeration mechanic and did that for seven years. I’m now enjoying doing the horses, helping dad and Bec Bartley who are in a co-training partnership. I think all-up there’s over 30 horses in work.

“I share shoeing duties with dad and while it’s a hard job, it’s also satisfying. Nathan Monk, who is a well-known farrier, taught me a lot. I also learnt a lot about the sport during a seven-month stint with Lisa Miles.

“While it was nice to drive my first winner, I’ve always liked the idea of wanting to be a trainer. I really think that’s where my passion is.”

While Steve and wife Anne are supportive of their children’s sporting pursuits, Anne admits there’s always some concern.

“We don’t get to many rodeo events, but I do worry every time Jono heads off to compete,” she said.

“I do ask him to ring me when he’s finished just to know that he’s okay and safe. I suppose the same applies to Corey. I don’t think they mind though.”

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink