Teen enjoys that winning feeling

Victorian teenager Rory Coverdale admits to being a horse lover, but decided out of the blue one day that she’d like to be involved in harness racing.

And fast forward four years on, and the Western Districts 19-year-old last week drove her first winner when she was successful with Banksofthemurray (Bettors Delight) at the Hamilton meeting (June 17).

“I guess I’ve never been in a really big hurry to get licensed, but I’m enjoying it and it was definitely a good feeling to land the win,” she said.

Rory, who drove in her first race just a month ago, put the writing on the wall with a second and third placing at her first two attempts.

She also finished third on two other occasions before breaking through for her memorable victory at her ninth drive.

Rory competes at ridden eventing, but with no family background in harness racing, getting into the sport wasn’t necessarily a natural career-path.

“We live at Glenfyne and we often drove past the stables of Marg Lee (at Terang). I remember being in the car with my mum one day and I told her I might go and see if I could get a job. Marg did give me a go and that was the start of it,” Rory said.

“I was still going to school at the time, but later Mattie (Craven) offered me a couple of days and I’ve now been with him full-time for two years,” she said.

“My parents don’t have any background in harness racing, but they’re big followers now! My two brothers aren’t interested in getting involved, but they don’t mind having a little punt.”

Rory drove a patient race to score on Banksofthemurray. She was content to settle behind the early leader Hanging Fire (David Drury) but always looked the one to beat in the run.  After moving out on the home corner, they worked home nicely to score by over three metres.

BANKSOFTHEMURRAY REPLAY

Drury was the first to offer congratulations to Rory on the success.

“I didn’t feel like waving my whip or anything. I kept calm and did enjoy the moment. I do remember David telling me well done and we had a laugh,” she said.

A proud Mattie Craven, presently campaigning with a team in Queensland, said Rory deserved the win and he was sure much more success would come her way.

“She is a hard worker and very dedicated and that’s now paying off. Rory is actually in charge of our stables while I’m away,” Craven added.

Apart from the racing team (Craven is campaigning with seven in Queensland) there are at least 16 youngsters coming through.

Rory said there were two other staff helping out but she was enjoying the added responsibility.

“The babies are probably our number one priority. I love working with them—they are really a bit of a mystery. But it’s all good because Mattie is only a phone call away!”

Rory will have her next driving engagements for the Craven team at Stawell in seven days.

For complete race results, click here.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink