Liam Elliott breaks maiden status

After gaining his reinsman’s licence just over a week ago, Liam Elliott didn’t have long to wait for his first taste of harness racing success, with Alta Montel delivering the 17-year-old his first win at long odds for his grandfather Tom Elliott.

Coming from a long line of drivers and trainers in the harness racing industry, there was never a time that Elliott didn’t think he would be a driver, and at just his fourth attempt he has broken through for the milestone moment.

“I didn’t really get a chance to soak it all in,

“this morning (Sunday) it felt pretty surreal, I kind of can’t believe it,

“There were a lot of emotions all at once, but the support and everyone reaching out has been amazing, and I can’t thank everyone enough from the bottom of my heart.” Elliott said

Behind every new young driver, is the family enjoying every bit of the journey just as much, and that’s no exception for the Elliott/Steer family, with Liam’s dad Sid, as proud as they come.

“I’m full of emotions, knowing how much he has wanted it and how hard he has worked to get there just makes you proud,

“He’s a hard-working kid, who is like a sponge, soaking up everything he can.”

But with excitement, also comes anguish, with driving a dangerous sport, it’s no wonder that watching your child is full of mixed emotions for Sid.

“It’s scary watching him, but at the same time, I know he’ll be safe as he doesn’t get nervous and does his form.”

ALTA MONTEL REPLAY

Proud as punch, the victory was that much sweeter for Sid, with his son’s first winning steer on board his grandfather Tom Elliotts horse.

It has been reported that Liam’s mum Jane Steer could be heard cheering from Narrogin all the way back in York, and although she promised herself that she wouldn’t embarrass her first born, that all went out the window halfway down the straight when Liam Elliott was staring down the barrel of his first win.

“You have that flash of thought ‘Don’t be embarrassing Jane’ and then halfway down the straight you’re like to hell with the it, the crazies already loose, go Liam,

“Chloe (Brown) came up and said she could hear me from the toilet, and she knew he’d won,

“What an honour to be able to watch him live out his dream and be a part of it.” Steer said.

For complete race results, click here.

by Ashleigh Paikos, for RWWA