First win gives Harrison a “huge thrill”

Riley Harrison showed she can rate the pace when winning her first race with Outamyway (Love You) at Addington on Friday night.

The 22-year-old junior harness racing driver rated her trotter perfectly in front and she looked to be in full control of race 5.

But Harrison admitted she had a few nerves as she set the tempo with her charge, who was a well backed favourite.

“I have had never been in front before, so I was a bit nervous that I was setting the right pace.”

“It was a huge thrill, I have been nervous all day and now I can relax.”

Harrison’s task of judging the pace with Outamyway was made a tricky assignment by the horse being a little lazy in front through the running.

Trainer Paul Nairn warned the reinswoman about his horse’s quirks and he backed her to get the job done.

“Paul said he can be a bit lazy but he said just go out there and have fun.”

“But I am glad I made it across the line first.”

Harrison works for the Robert and Jenna Dunn stable at Woodend Beach.

She has another Woodend local to thank for helping her land her first winner – David Butt.

“Davey said to me I should ring Paul Nairn for the drive,” Harrison said.

“So, I just rang, I didn’t actually know what horse or what race at the time.”

OUTAMYWAY REPLAY

Harrison doesn’t have a harness racing background as far as her immediate family goes.

Though her grandfather and great grandfather were both heavily involved in the sport.

Harrisons have been big contributors to the Methven Trotting Club over the years.

Now that she has been introduced to the sport, Harrison admits she is hooked.

“It is pretty busy out at the beach so you have got to love it to do it.”

“I didn’t have any experience before I went to the Dunns about three and a half years ago.”

“But my granddad trained and bit and his grandad trained Loyal Nurse to win the New Zealand Cup.”

Harrison’s maiden win came in her first season of driving and in her 20th attempt.

For complete race results, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand