Teenager chasing career win number 3

All harness racing driver Andrew Bourke wants for Christmas is another winner.

The 16-year-old Maitland reinsman is heading into Friday’s Tamworth harness meeting with three driving engagements and fresh off a win at Newcastle last week behind Chill Of The Night.

Bourke will commence his campaign in the opening event – the TAB.Com.Au Pace – with Deucstar. 

“I have driven at Tamworth once before and I finished third with Deucstar so hopefully we will improve on that position,” said Bourke.

“I am looking forward to coming back to Tamworth. I reckon he (Deucstar) is a good chance. He has drawn well.”

The Sauers Glass Pace will see Bourke partner Chill Of The Night, with the seven-year-old gelding breaking through for his first career win last week at Newcastle at race start 26.

 JOB DONE: Bourke returns to scale after the Newcastle win. Photo: Sarah Whalland of First Place Photography Newcastle

The Plainsman and Chill Of The Night, along with Deucstar, are trained by Bourke’s father Chris at Millers Forest.

“The win at Menangle was special but to have a win on your home track was extra special,” added Bourke.

“When the fields came out for Newcastle I thought he [Chill Of The Night] was a good chance, and the horse travelled well in the race.”

On Friday Bourke is not so wrapped with the barrier draw for Chill Of The Night.

“It would be nice to make it back to back wins but the draw is not to his favour,” added Bourke, with Chill Of The Night to come out of barrier seven.

The third drive of the night for the young reinsman maybe behind Misanthrope, also trained by his father, but he will have to wait for confirmation of a start.

“She has drawn the emergency but if she gets a run she will be a good chance,” added Bourke, with Misanthrope looking for a start in the Johns Auto Service Pace.

Bourke may have kicked-started his school holidays last week with the win at Newcastle but he is looking for more wins and more drives as part of his “working holiday” before commencing Year 11. 

“I’m looking for the third win now,” added Bourke, who will have more opportunities at the Maitland harness meeting on Sunday afternoon where heats of the 55th running of the Maitland Inter City Pace will be conducted. 

By Julie Maughan

Reprinted with permission of The Northern Daily Leader