Interstate trip gives driver first win

Popular Merbein South harness racing horseman Aaron Coad was celebrating on Tuesday (Jun. 7) night after a successful trip across the border into South Australia.

Coad chalked up his first victory in the sulky when Only In Rome (Bettors Delight) – a horse he trains – raced to victory in the TAB Make A Date With Play Pace at Globe Derby.

The 29-year-old has been training in his own name since 2019, but only started driving in races last month.

Coad recently picked up Only In Rome from Tasmanian trainer Ben Yole and was having just his second start with the 10-year-old gelding, who has now won 16 races from 208 career appearances.

“To say I’m stoked about getting my first winning drive at my sixth race start is an understatement,” Coad, a nephew of experienced horsemen Andrew and David Vozlic, said.

“I only sat behind/jogged my first horse three years ago, so things have come a long way since then and hopefully we keep going forward.”

ONLY IN ROME REPLAY

Coad started training in Broken Hill and moved to Victoria last year to grow his career in harness racing.

“(Partner) Reilly (Blight) and I decided to move back to Mildura and take on more horses and see how we go. It’s worked out well for us so far,” Coad, who has trained 20 winners, said.

“I still had a few trials to do when I moved down and wasn’t really in a rush to drive. I finished my trials a couple of weeks ago and got my B Grade licence just to get myself out of trouble here and there when I couldn’t get a driver.

“I enjoy driving that’s for sure!”

For complete race results, click here.

by Tim O’Connor, for HRV