Personal milestone for budding horseman
HE’S a little too old to believe in the Easter Bunny, but budding horseman Nathan Rothwell was glad to receive the ‘chocolates’ yesterday.
Competing at his home track in Warragul, Rothwell broke his maiden status as a trainer and driver thanks to Playa Blanca’s minor upset in the last race on the card.
Scoring at $6 on the Tote, Playa Blanca provided Rothwell with his initial win at his 44th attempt.
“I’m just rapt to get my first win,” the 19-year-old said. “I have wanted to be involved in harness racing for as long as I can remember.
“My Dad (Will) was involved in harness racing when he was younger and has always owned horses… he definitely got us into it that’s for sure.
“Our family relocated from the Sunshine Coast to Warragul so we could go to the Gippsland Training Centre and get the ground skills we needed.
“My twin brother Will is about to get his driver’s license too.”
Beginning quickly to lead from barrier four, Playa Blanca was allowed to roll along at a steady pace as Trent From Punchy worked at her wheel.
Fending off the challenge turning for home, the daughter of Somebeachsomewhere dashed to a four-metre win from Nevada Yankee.
Jacks Command was 15 metres away third.
Owned by the Rothwells, Playa Blanca rated 1:58.3 over 1790 metres.
“I knew she would find the front and I just hoped she got it easily enough,” Rothwell said. “I was quite confident in that grade and she did it well.
“There are a couple of options in Cranbourne next Sunday but I haven’t decide which race I will nominate her for.”