Lauren Tritton back on track and winning

Expat Aussie harness racing driver Lauren Tritton has made a return to the race bike and the winner’s circle in the United States.

Tritton and her husband Shane relocated to the USA in 2020, but Lauren had only eight drives before temporarily stepping down due to becoming pregnant with the couple’s second child Emily.

Lauren Tritton made her return to driving at Monticello, New York, her first drive at the track, handling ex Aussie pacer High Rolling (Roll With Joe – Cassino Woman (Badlands Hanover) for a “wire to wire” victory.

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“She hasn’t driven officially in the races since she was second on My Rona Gold in August 2020,” Shane said.

“Although I did have to throw her on in a race in August last year when we didn’t have a driver – but she has been enjoying being on the sidelines caring for Emily and Levi,” he said.

“It was fantastic to see her come back today…and win!”

Lauren Tritton, who is one of the few females in the male-dominated driving ranks in the USA, now has had eight drives in the USA for two wins, one second and two thirds.

“Last time I drove High Rolling she was a two-year-old in Australia – now she’s nine,” an elated Lauren Tritton said after the race.

“Hopefully it will be the start of a few more visits to the racetrack – but not full time, it’s just too hard with the kids and working the team,” she said.

Although it just may be that Lauren will be tempted by the newest arrival at the Team Tritton Pine Bush (NY) barn.

Brilliant pacer Muscle Factory (Roll With Joe-Malena (Jeremes Jet), the first three-year-old in the Southern Hemisphere to break 1.50, has been sent over by owners Clive and Rona McKay, of New Zealand.

Shane Tritton regards Muscle Factory as the one of the best, if not, the best, horses he’s had anything to do with.

Muscle Factory’s deeds include a win in a NSW Breeders Challenge heat, a second in a semi-final and then third in the final; a heat and the rich final of the APG Gold (by 36 metres); the Simpson Memorial; and the Victorian Derby G1 Final.

In all of his 12 races for the Trittons, the superstar was driven by Lauren, for an impressive seven wins and four placings.

“He’s a special horse and he gets on with Lauren,” Tritton said last week.

“I could probably say that I’d hate to be the guy who gets in her way trying to pinch the drive!”

By Terry Gange for Harnesslink