Maiden broken at 99th attempt

AFTER waiting more than five years to break their maiden, not many people would have been happy to postpone that initial victory a little longer.

Shane Taylor, however, is one person who would have been satisfied with a “one more race” delay.

Gaining his licence in 2021, Taylor has registered a handful of wins as a trainer, but has been found wanting as a driver.

That changed in Maryborough this week when Taylor reined his stable entrant – Magic Law – to glory in what was his 99th drive.

“As I got into the 90s I jokingly said I will get it on my 100th drive and how great that would be,” Taylor said. “I would have liked to have waited one more race for that to happen, but I’ll take it.

“Overall, it took a while, but it’s better late than never. It was an amazing feeling.”

Working to the lead from barrier six, Magic Law staved off a late challenge from Charlie Walker to score by a neck.

Montana Muscle was two-and-a-half metres away third in 2:00.7 over 1690 metres.

“I was confident heading to the track as she had been working and racing well,” Taylor said. “Then my confidence grew during the warm up as she gave me a good feeling.

“It got close at the end, but she got there which is all that counts.”

Set to contest a 1785-metre race in Stawell on Monday, Magic Law will begin from barrier four, with Taylor confident once again.

“I won’t be driving her though,” Taylor said. “Michael Bellman, who nearly beat me yesterday, will be in the cart.

“Michael knows the track better than me and he has driven her to a win before. I’m happy with four as she can come out very quickly.”