Menangle Park better than fun park for 17-year-old

LIKE so many of her peers do at this time of the year, Jorja Daskalovski enjoyed a huge thrill at a ‘fun park’ this afternoon.

The big difference, however, Daskalovski wasn’t at somewhere like Luna Park, instead the 17-year-old was experiencing a major highlight at Menangle Park!

Making her driving debut in Goulburn last week, Daskalovski registered her maiden success by partnering Sunny Gee to victory in the opening event on the card.

Naturally thrilled with the occasion, Daskalovski revealed there was plenty of tension as the KerryAnn Morris-trained trotter crossed the line.

“I’m super rapt,” Daskalovski said. “I had my first start just last week in Goulburn and that was my sixth drive.

“I have always wanted to be a reinswoman and to be out there is living a dream.

“After the line I wasn’t sure if he held on, so I didn’t really feel anything except a bit tense, but when I heard Fred (Hastings, broadcaster) call his name, that’s when the real emotions hit.”

Sent forward from barrier seven, Sunny Gee worked to the front as early leader, Valley Star, was eased to take a trail.

Forced to dig deep along the home straight, the son of Majestic Son staved off a late challenge from Valley Star to score by a half-neck.

In a ‘blanket’ finish, Your Majesty was a head away third as the winner covered the mile in 1:54.2.

Gaining her passion for harness racing from her parents Michelle and Chris, Daskalovski’s goal is to forge a career within the industry as a driver and trainer.

“I have been working for KerryAnn for about seven months and I’m loving it,’ Daskalovski said. “My Mum and Dad were always into horses as breeders and owners, so I’ve been around, and loved, them since I was a baby.

“I’ve always wanted to drive and in the future I’d like to give training a crack.

“For now, I will concentrate on learning the ropes and aim to get some consistency to be the best driver I can be.”