Chasing first driving win in 50 years!

ALMOST five decades since his last victory and 13 years since his previous drive, veteran horseman Colin Watson will make his comeback in Charlton today.

Taking time out from the sport after partnering Dancing Doll to run fifth in Cranbourne on March 6, 2011, Watson has renewed his zest for the industry.

As such, the 74-year-old will take the reins behind Helo Pinto in the second race on the card.

Named after former model and inspiration for the song The Girl From Ipanema, Heloísa Eneida Menezes Paes Pinto, the filly has drawn barrier five.

“I hadn’t had a horse for quite some time, but then we got her, so I decided to come back,” Watson said. “She’s had two starts for me as a trainer, but I didn’t have my driver’s licence back yet.

HELOISA Eneida Menezes Paes Pinto

“I paid for it for a number of years, but after letting it go, I had to go through the hoops before I could drive again, so I wasn’t ready to go to the races when she was.

“I always remembered the story about some guys who liked a beautiful girl who would walk to the beach in a bikini every day, but she never looked their way and they ended up writing a song about her.

“I originally tried to name this filly Heloísa Pinto, but it got knocked back and Helo Pinto was my second choice.”

Despite her awkward starting position, Watson believes Helo Pinto can cause an upset if luck goes her way as he aims for his first win since driving Ty Anne to glory on October 1, 1975.

“She hasn’t raced since July, but has been working well,” Watson said. “She is a few runs short of her peak as I’ve had a setback with her, but will go alright.

“I’ve got no doubt she can win her races as she goes along.

“My daughter asked me the other day if I was feeling nervous, but there are no nerves or ring rust as sitting behind a horse is like a second nature.”