Declan delivers memorable moment with debut drive

As far as harness racing debuts go, it’s pretty hard to top the one Declan Murphy produced at Ballarat on Thursday night.

The Dunnstown teenager scored victory at his first race drive, with Atego Shades flashing home to score a last-to-first success in the Regent Entertainment Pace.

To cap off a memorable achievement, the gelding is trained by Declan’s father David and raced in mother Erin’s name. Brother Brent was also driving in the race, but finished last aboard Ashley Taylor-trained Gozo Courage.

“Considering it’s my family and all that, it’s special,” Declan said.

“Working each day and working with Atego Shades most mornings as well, it brings a big thrill to the stable and to Mum and Dad as well.

“To see them so happy brings a big light to it all.”

The Murphys are basically part of the furniture at Bray Raceway, and the fact his triumph occurred on his home track is not lost on the 17-year-old.

“I’ve been there since I was real little,” he said.

“And just to have my first drive there, let alone win it… I was just over the moon.

“I was thinking that on the way home. It’s my home track and I’ve come out and won on a horse that my Mum and Dad own as well.”

Brent Murphy also drove a winner on Thursday night in the race before his younger brother’s success. He partnered Martin Zerafa-trained Son Of Major to take out the Ballarat Vet Practice Pace at odds of $38.90.

WATCH DECLAN’S SUCCESS BELOW: