Late bloomer breaks maiden

LATE bloomer Trent Fiscalini didn’t take long to find his way to the winners’ circle.

Obtaining his driver’s licence this season, the 35-year-old broke his maiden at Maryborough last Monday at his 15th drive.

Following his family into the industry, Fiscalini competed in pony trots “as a kid” before turning his focus to other interests.

“My late grandfather Noel was a trainer, my father Ross and uncle Peter have all been involved in the game and I followed as well,” Fiscalini said. “I was in the pony trots as a kid and went until I outgrew the pony.

“Then footy took hold, then other things in life came along and it put an end to harness racing.

“I decided to get back into it before covid and took out my trials licence, but it just took a while due to family and work commitments, but finally things settled down a bit and I had a chance to get it.

“To get my first win is fantastic and something I will long remember.”

Partnering the Tim Mortlock-trained Double The Hunter, Fiscalini settled the gelding towards the tail of the field as Littleblabbamouth set the pace.

Taken to the extreme outside around the final bend, Double The Hunter sprinted to three-and-a-half metre win from Final Bow.

Shallow Beach was a half-head away third as the winner rated 2:00.5 over 2190 metres.

“I drove him at his start before as part of a concession drivers’ race and felt he went well,” Fiscalini said. “I said to my Dad, ‘I reckon he is close to a win’ without knowing I was going to be driving him again.

“To get the call from Tim was great and I’m glad I was able to get that win for him.

“I’ve also got to thank my Mrs, Rachel, who has been lenient to give me the time to indulge in sport while she’s got our two kids, who are three and 12-weeks-old on her hands.”