Back in action after more than a decade

HE PUT up a good fight, but in the end the force was too strong.

Walking away from harness racing more than a decade ago, Rod Lakey swore he’d never return to the industry.

“Looking back I just got burnt out,” Lakey explained. “I was 30 years old, didn’t have a family and had done nothing but harness ever since I left home.

“As you know it is a demanding industry, and no excuse, but I got burnt out.

“Plus I wanted to do other things like have a family.”

Lakey achieved the latter and has a 10-year-old daughter, Latika, and lives with his partner Mel and her children Tyler and Jake.

Enjoying the life he has built, Lakey realised the desire to be a part of harness racing had returned.

As such, he began working horses for David Van Ryn which led to his introduction to Shaun McNaulty.

“I’ve been fighting it for a lot of years and it got the better of me,” Lakey said. “I swore to myself I would never go back, but I’m rapt to be back as it was the right decision.

“Mel has been terrific in her support and understands the kind of hours involved and I can’t thank her enough.

“I started track work for David and through David I met Shaun and then started working his horses a few times a week.

“Then I decided to get a trial licence and ever since then it’s been unbelievable how many people been helping me get back

“Harness racing is such a good industry for that… everyone has each others’ back.”

Making his racing return in Bendigo last night, Lakey shook of the rust with his first few drives – which netted two placings – before causing a major upset with Gobsmacked at his fourth outing.

Prepared by McNaulty, Gobsmacked worked to the lead from barrier five before accounting for Brackenreid and Torrid Saint in 2:01.4 over 2150 metres.

Despite his solid form of a win and seven placings from his eight previous starts the son of Auckland Reactor paid $43.20 on the tote.

“I’m not saying he should’ve been the favourite, but I was surprised by his odds,” Lakey said. “He’s been racing well and was ready to win.

“I was rapt to get that win on the board and it completed a special night.

“I don’t even recall when my last winner was it was that long ago.

“I loved being out there, and although I had missed it, I didn’t realise how much until I was on the track.

“When the social gathering restrictions are over maybe we can celebrate properly.”