Female talent is rich in NSW

Harness racing in New South Wales has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to female drivers.

Of course, Amanda Turnbull and KerryAnn Morris have headed that list for some years and along with Cobbitty mentor, Belinda McCarthy, they have also been dominant in the training ranks.

In fact, the trio finished in the top three placings on the 2021 State Premiership, each training more than 100 winners.

But there are so many more females making their mark in the sport, and it is common practice for them to dominate at a race meeting.

One young lady who is standing up to be counted is 19-year-old Novocastrian Grace Panella, who is currently based at the stables of prominent Hunter Valley trainer Clayton Harmey and has driven 40 winners so far in her short career.

“Clayton gives me some great opportunities for both driving in races and learning the craft of training and I cannot thank him enough,” said Panella.

“He has a wealth of knowledge and I learn something new from him every day.

“I have been fortunate to drive those 40 winners in three seasons and I have set myself an optimistic target of landing a century of winners during 2022.

“I know that will be quite a mountain to climb but I know the goal is not out of my reach should I keep getting drives.”

Panella heads into Friday night’s meeting at Newcastle boasting a strong book of drives in six of the eight races and a brace of winners is certainly within reach.

One horse that Panella was quick to name as a leading chance is the Harmey-trained Giddy Heights, which she will drive in Race 4.

The former Kiwi has been a consistent mare since joining the Harmey stable in 2020 and will be looking to bring up win number eight from 35 starts.

“Giddy Heights is drawn perfectly in gate one,” said Panella.

“She is mare that possesses early speed, and I will be looking to use that to my advantage to be in the firing line tonight.

“Her last run at Newcastle to finish second, not beaten all that far in a very fast mile rate, was pleasing.”

Giddy Heights offers great each-way value tonight in an evenly-graded field that includes last-start Bathurst winner Carlas Mach.

To view the fields for Newcastle on Friday night click here.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW