Trainer gets that first-time winning feeling

Sunbury-based harness racing trainer-driver Shane Taylor had an inkling that he would go close to getting his breakthrough training victory at the Kilmore meeting last Sunday night (Aug. 13), and he wasn’t disappointed.

“My partner Julia wasn’t all that keen on going. I told her that I had a feeling that he wouldn’t be far away—thankfully I talked her into coming along because we did get the win,” a happy Taylor said.

Four-year-old bay gelding Thunder Beach (Sunshine Beach) was driven patiently by leading reinsman Nathan Jack to score in a blanket finish in the Carlton and United Breweries Pace.

While it was the first win from 10 attempts for Thunder Beach—needless to say, it was also an added thrill for Taylor to chalk up his maiden victory as a trainer.

“I’ve come close a few times, but it was great to finally get there. Julia and I own him along with a good mate in Chris Caruana. They are both just great and give me so much support,” Taylor said.

“The horse had been racing well for Nathan. I love driving and I’ve been going around on him a bit, but Nathan gets along pretty good with him.

“I broke Thunder Beach in, and he’s taken a long time to get to where he is. I just had to be patient because I didn’t want to rush him. I think with that breed, they get better as they get older.

“I kept saying that the horse would tell me when he’s ready and it took a few starts. But I enjoy doing all the groundwork.”

Taylor grew up with horses – his father Gary, who still trains one or two out at Doreen, was always involved in the sport.

“Dad had some really good ones over the years and he’s always there for me if I need some advice or a helping hand,” he said.

“I’ve been training on my own for about four years now. In the past I’ve worked for some top horsemen including the late Gavin Lang, who was an awesome mentor, as well as Chris Lang, Brent Lilley and Aussie Mifsud.

“I train three horses and I suppose I’m pretty much full-time now. I’m based at Ahmed and Freddie Taiba’s property and they’re a terrific help.

“I do all my shoeing myself and I especially love the square-gaiters.”

Taylor is hopeful that win number two might not be too far away.

“One of the others in my stable is a two-year-old maiden trotter, Magic Law. She flew home at Kilmore and ran fifth,” he said.

Magic Law (Lawman) made her debut back in early March with a third placing at Bendigo. She had a further four starts in that short campaign for a second, third, fourth and sixth.

Resuming at Bendigo on August 8, the filly was fourth (beaten 9m) and then her next outing was the Kilmore run.

“I think she’ll make it and I’m a bit sentimental there, because we bred her as well,” Taylor said.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink