Julie Maughan's Raceday Report Friday 27 January 2017 - Courtney Sutherland

SUTHERLAND DRIVES HER WINNER by Julie Maughan

When you accomplish your first winning drive in this industry it is something you cherish for ever.

For Manilla reinswoman Courtney Sutherland she now has that first win on the board after wrapping up the Carnival of Cups meeting when she won the final event.

Sutherland enjoyed her first winning drive behind Jax Tellar – a horse that is trained by her father Chris with Courtney racing the gelding in partnership with her mother Donna.

"I am stoked that I have finally done it" said Sutherland of her first winner after being in the sport for just over two years.

"I won on such a big night as well" added Sutherland who took the final race on the program of the Tamworth Carnival of Cups meeting.

Racing out in the lead was unknown territory for both horse and driver.

"It was a bit different" joked Sutherland "He has been drawing the back line which doesn’t help him at all and finely he drew the pole position and blew them away".

"There was a bit of pressure early in the race but the horse felt strong and stuck it out"

Sutherland knew she had dangers in the race and had her mind set on the task at hand.

"I knew Ghost Gum was my biggest challenge and when I saw him coming I made my move" added Sutherland.

"When I went across the line I looked at Sam (Ison) and Stacey (Weidemann) and they said I did it and I started crying"

Jax Tellar held on for a 1.7 metre win over Bandan (Sam Ison) and Ghost Gum (Stacey Weidemann) a half head away third with a mile rate of 2.01.7

It may have been tears of relief but after coming up through the mini trots and then "bitten by the harness racing bug" Sutherland learnt her skills from her father Chris as well as making an hour long trip on occasions to the township of Uralla to help out at the Munsie family stables.

"Peter and David Munsie helped me a lot doing track work and then I drove their horse Sissiesbeach Boy at the trials – I had a win at my first trial"