Grace gets her moment in the sun

SHE’S no stranger to the winners’ circle after a long, successful career in the mini trots.

Yet today Grace Panella shone in a bigger light . . . and on a much bigger horse!

Having started driving in the big league this season, the younger sister to champion reinswoman Lauren Tritton has had a plethora of positive and extremely successful role models in her life, including Lauren and Shane Tritton, Clayton Harmey, Roy Roots Jr and of course Darren Binskin.

Indeed it was Binskin who supplied Grace with the drive on Scenic Sky, which gave the young lady her first victory in the ‘Big League’ at Tabcorp Park Menangle today.

Starting from barrier four, Panella placed the eight-year-old gelding three back on the marker pegs and stayed calm until the turn for home when she eased off onto the back of Critical Advantage and then advanced to his outside to be three wide on the point of the turn.

From there, there was no looking back for the young reinswoman: “I just peeled and gave it my all and he gave me his all,” said Panella.

“He was strong all the way to the line.

“I didn’t even really know what to think when I crossed the line, I was just relieved to get a winner.

“It’s the best feeling in the world.”

Mum, Kirsten was beyond proud: “I knew she could do it!,” said the proud lady.

“I just wish I could be there, I’m so proud of her!”

Grace was quick to pay tribute to her mentors:

“Darren (Binskin) has been a huge influence in my life, I couldn’t be more grateful for him but of course he took all the credit for the win,” grinned Grace after the race.

“Of course he was really happy for me.

“It’s been a long time coming.

“I’m glad I could get my first winner for him.”

Grace had one other drive on the day but missed a place with another Binskin starter, Jedi Mind ($15) in Race 7.

“The draw was a bit tricky. Maybe next time,” said the excited young lady.

 – TIARN SUTTON