Teen lands his first with 150/1 longshot

New South Wales teenager Ky Bloomfield has kick-started his harness racing career with a memorable maiden win—courtesy of a 150/1 outsider.

“I was a bit surprised when I heard the odds after the race because the previous week we went down by a head in a heat,” Bloomfield said.

“If we didn’t find the top, we were always going to get a nice position,” he said.

And the race panned out exactly as hoped for the Riverina-based 17-year-old, who zipped to the lead with Admirable (Rock N Roll Heaven) before handing up to enjoy a perfect spot on the fence in the $20,400 Download The TAB App final at Wagga Wagga last Saturday (Apr 8).

“He can be a lazy type of horse at times, but he was always travelling sweet, and I felt pretty confident in the run,” Bloomfield said.

Admirable darted along the sprint lane to record a 1.8m win over Fire And Sword (Jackson Painting) with My Mate Bernie (Cam Hart) a further 1.3m back in third spot.

“I’m still on a high. It was exciting to get my first winner because it was only my fifth race drive. I thought I was going to get it the previous week, but we just went down,” he said.

“One of my sisters was watching the race on TV at home cheering me on and she won $260, while a cousin got a bit more, I think around $360.

“My parents and everyone else were happy for me, but it was very special for my Pop who isn’t well in hospital at the moment. He’s enjoyed watching the race replay a few times and he’s really proud. It’s certainly given him a big kick along which is nice.”

ADMIRABLE REPLAY

Admirable is prepared at Narrandera by the astute young team of Ellen Bartley and Blake Jones, who do a great job with their horses.

“They actually bought Pop’s property, which was a thoroughbred set-up. Pop was a jockey before later becoming a trainer. Dad is also into the gallops and one of my uncles is a jockey,” Bloomfield said.

“They didn’t try and convert me to be a jockey rather than get involved in harness racing because I was always going to be too big,” he laughed.

After Ellen and Blake had moved into the property, Bloomfield said he went to see them, looking for a job.

“They put me on and I’m there in the mornings, at weekends and during school holidays. They treat me very well, like I’m family,” he said.

“I’m doing Year 11 at Narrandera High School. I want to make a career out of harness racing, but I plan to look into some TAFE course options as a back-up.

“I’ll keep working hard at the race driving and I’d love to think that one day I might have made a name for myself and end up full-time in Sydney.

“One of my mates Harvey Odgers, who I work with, has had two race drives. We push each other to be as good as we can, and he was excited to see me win. When Harvey lands his first, I’ll be pretty stoked for him as well.”

With plenty of handy five-point junior concession opportunities ahead of them, and an abundance of enthusiasm to put them on the path to success, they are well on the way.

*Rising star Taylah Osmond landed the biggest win of her career when she won the $20,000 Wagga Pacers Cup.

Osmond stormed home with 20/1 chance Izaha (Roll With Joe) to give James Rattray, who finished runner up with Whereyabinboppin, the quinella.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink