I was screaming with excitement all the way down the straight
SPENDING a night at the trots with his daughter, Jeff Procter figured at worse he’d leave Globe Derby with a kid complaining about a stomach ache.
Giving 10-year-old Kim money for a bucket of chips, can of drink and some snacks, Procter set about to enjoy his evening.
Little did Procter realise events were unfolding which would forever change his world!
Like most girls Kim wanted to own a pony, so instead of buying dinner she purchased raffle tickets with dreams of grandeur.
“I gave her money to buy bloody tea and she bought raffle tickets to win a pony,” Procter said.
“A few weeks later on a rare night I missed going to the trots they did the draw and Kim won a damn pony.
“After that everything changed…it’s the most expensive thing I have ever won!”
Within a few years Procter moved his family from Flagstaff Hill to Globe Derby complete with pony – now known as Charity Miss – in toe.
Under the consistent nagging from a teenage Kim, Procter gained his trainer’s licence as the father-and-daughter combination delved further into the industry.
Eventually Kim gained a trainer’s licence, with the pair enjoying success along the way with the likes of Nothingmuch, Nigel Stardust and Meluna.
“That’s where it all began,” Procter said. “I got my trainer’s licence and we’ve been involved ever since.
“I thoroughly enjoy every aspect of harness racing, but if I had that time again, I would have just bought Kim’s dinner!”
Fast forward to today’s Maryborough meeting and Kim registered her initial interstate victory.
The South Australian horsewoman’s triumph came via Abitofadreamer, which caused a minor upset with John Justice in the cart.
Overcoming his inside of the back row draw, Abitofadreamer completed a four-metre win from Aldebaran Stevie, with Cork a half-head away third.
Breaking his maiden at his 15th start, the son of Used To Me rated 2:03.3 over 2190 metres.
“I was so excited,” Kim said. “I was screaming with excitement all the way down the straight.
“I think everyone at home in Globe Derby, let along all of Maryborough, heard me screaming.
“It was a terrific drive from John, but I’m just so proud of Dreamer.”
Hoping to acquire another trotter train, Procter eventually came into contact with Anton Golino who promised “to keep an eye out for a cheapie.”
After deciding the gelding wasn’t suitable for his stable, Golino spoke to the three-year-old’s owner – Yabby Dam Farms Principal Pat Driscoll – about gifting the squaregaiter to Procter.
“I was shocked when Anton offered him to me,” Procter said. “I am still overwhelmed by the gesture.
“As soon as he arrived where I am stabling him I fell in love with him, but I did change his stable name from Beaver to Dreamer.
“My brother Dave, friends Janelle, Melanie, Nathan and Tamara have all joined ownership with me and it’s so wonderful to be sharing Dreamer with them.
“I can never thank Anton and Pat enough for the generosity they have shown me.”