Elder taking the reins and is ready for Group 1 glory

Hunter Valley horseman Brad Elder has been making a name for himself as a harness racing trainer of late but he still has goals as a driver.

Not only does he want to drive 100 winners in a season, the 24-year-old yearns to drive a Group 1 winner.

Elder gets his next chance at Group 1 glory this Saturday night at Menangle on Warrawee Needy filly Flare Up in the $100,000 NSW Breeders Challenge Blue Final.

“I’ve been beaten a nose in a Group 1 before so to win a race at that level will be special,” said Elder.

“Flare Up faces a couple of nice horses on Saturday but she should be able to run top four. “She hasn’t been pacing 100 per cent so we’ve been playing around with her shoeing and we think we’re on top of it now.

“Her work has been terrific.”

Elder’s father Darren trains Flare Up and while they work together, Elder is starting to make a name for himself in the training ranks.

Having just started training his own team of horses this season, Elder boasts eight winners from 24 starters.

“I only got into training two months ago and had my first starter in September,” said Elder.

“I’ve started to get some owners into horses and build up a client base.

“I’ve been working on this for the past six months, buying horses from New Zealand and syndicating them.

“I’ve got two employees that help me and Bevan Pringle has been the backbone of my stable.

“He started helping me in July during the floods when Dad had to work and he has stayed with me since.

“He has so much knowledge.”

Elder has been driving since the 2013/14 season and has 511 wins to his credit with 71 of those victories obtained this year.

For complete fields for Menangle Saturday, click here.

by Amanda Rando, for Harnesslink