Concession driver registers maiden victory

LONG before his father was “an itch in his dad’s pants”, Jordan Leedham’s great uncle was holding the Inter Dominion trophy aloft.

Stan Leedham was the proud owner of top pacer Chamfer Star, which captured the industry’s ‘Holy Grail’ in 1966.

Trained by Max Treuer and driven by Brian Forrester, Chamfer Star won his three heats and the Final to remain unbeaten throughout the Perth-based series.

While a midweek meeting in Bendigo is a far cry from the spotlight of the prestigious Championship, Jordan enjoyed a moment he will forever cherish last night.

Partnering the Ellen Tormey-trained Shaq, Jordan registered his maiden victory.

“I finally got my first winner,” Jordan said. “It’s taken about 25 drives, which makes it feel even better because I had to work for it.

“I’m rapt to get one on the board and hope it can be the first of many.

“I can’t thank Ellen and Kevin (Clark, owner) enough to trusting me with the drive.”

Caught three-wide from barrier six, Shaq worked to the front as the early pacemaker Madam Reactor was eased to take a trail.

Striding clear of the pack along the home straight, the son of Mach Three cruised to an eight-and-a-half metre win from Old Farm Way, with Madam Reactora metre-and-a-half away third.

Shaq rated 1:58.4 over 2150 metres to take his record to five wins and 10 placings from 36 starts.

“He went terrific,” Jordan said. “After he got to the front I was pretty excited as he felt strong and I thought he would be hard to run down.

“When he got clear of the pack I just kept waiting for the line to come.”

Although Stan enjoyed success as an owner, Jordan had no family interest in harness racing but became keen on the sport after forming a friendship with Connor Clarke and Brock Gibson.

“My great uncle owned Chamfer Star but that was before I was even thought of,” Jordan said. “It was even before my dad was an itch in his dad’s pants.

“I became friends with Connor Clarke and Brock Gibson and that got me interested in pony trots.

“Ever since I started with horses it’s all I have wanted to do.

“I’d love to forge a career out of driving and maybe one day also hold up the Inter Dominion winner’s trophy.”