Concession driver hoping to continue strong career start

ENJOYING a strong start to his career, Eli Lepper hopes to continue the moment when he heads to Albury tonight.

Lepper will make the two-and-a-half hour trip from Leeton for what will be just his 10th race drive.

A graduate of the wonderful Mini Trot system, Lepper obtained his driver’s licence at the beginning of July, with his nine outings netting a pair of wins and three placings.

“I only started driving a few weeks ago and I’ve had a great start, which has been amazing,” Lepper said. “I started driving in the Mini Trots when I was eight and loved every minute of it.

“I don’t have a family connection in harness racing, but fell in love with horses when I was younger and Mum (Angela) had a friend at work named Ben Matthews, who trained standardbreds, so arranged for me to go to his stable.

“As I got older I began helping around Jackson Painting’s stable between school and now for the last couple of months have been working full-time for him.

“I love working at Jack’s place and tonight will be the first time I have driven one of his horses while he has been there, so hopefully I can get the win.”

Lepper will take the reins behind in-form pacer Little Sassy Boy, which has drawn to settle in a prominent position from barrier two.

Little Sassy Boy provided Lepper with his maiden victory in Wagga on July 3 before the duo were unplaced in Leeton four days later.

Lepper then partnered the son of Bettors Delight to finish third in Wagga last Thursday.

“It is a long trip, but hopefully it is worth it,” Lepper said. “Little Sassy Boy has been racing in top form and has drawn well enough to make his presence felt.”