Ewa claims win one and two in quick succession

Ewa Justice could easily be excused for struggling with the pressure associated to being part of a famous harness racing family.

But the 19-year-old has taken it in her stride and the success has quickly followed.

Justice, the daughter of legendary trainer-driver John, claimed her first victory in the sulky when Another Nien (Huntsville) prevailed at Geelong last Friday before doubling up when Aldebaran Boyd (Aldebaran Eagle) scored in dominant fashion at Melton on Monday.

The two horses are trained by Ewa’s father and she described both triumphs as “pretty unexpected”.

“I thought if Another Nien was able to get across the four (favourite Hestheonetowatch), he would give a great sight. So when he galloped, I was pretty excited but had to remind myself the race wasn’t over,” Ewa, who only drove her first race in September, said.

“And the trotter (Aldebaran Boyd) was a massive thrill as the plan was just for him to trot the whole way. He’d been working good, but it was such a good feeling to win when all the owners were there to celebrate with us.”

Ewa was quick to show gratitude to those that have supported through the early stages of her driving career.

“Dad trusts me to do the best I can with his horses and so do the owners, which really gives me a lot of confidence,” she said.

“I also have Mum, who although gets scared, is really supportive. And my aunty makes sure Nana is always with us at the races by wearing her brooch she’d always wear for good luck.”

Ewa’s grandmother is the late Josie Justice, a harness racing trailblazer who sadly passed away on her 91^st birthday earlier this year.

Josie is the mother of John and his brother Lance, who have been household names in the sport for many years.

ANOTHER NIEN REPLAY

For complete race results, click here.

by Tim O’Connor, for HRV