Seasoned horseman close to milestone

SEASONED horseman Darren Billinger hopes a sentimental connection can pave way for another career highlight tomorrow night.

Due to cross the border into Victoria, the South Australian has two runners engaged in Mildura, where he will aim for his 600th training win.

Billinger’s first attempt will come via Come On Billie, which is attempting to break his maiden at his ninth start.

By Art Major from broodmare gem Whatacorka, Come On Billie is a half-brother to Billinger’s former top pacer, Come On Frank.

Along with being the best Billinger has prepared, Come On Frank provided the veteran with his greatest moment within the industry.

Not long after receiving the devastating news of a fatal car accident involving his daughter Kelly, Billinger partnered Come On Frank to capture the 2011 Southern Cross Final at Globe Derby.

“Frank also won the Group One Vicbred, but I regard the Southern Cross as my biggest win as it was the one I really wanted to win after Kelly died,” Billinger said. “Now 15 years later I’m hoping his half-brother can be number 600 for me.”

Runner-up at Globe Derby last week, Come On Billie has drawn to settle in a prominent position from barrier two.

“I was happy with his last run, and with a bit of luck, he can go one better this time,” Billinger said. “Later on the night I have Shirley Not drawn the second row, so she will need luck from there.

“Shirley Not is from Whatacorka’s half-sister Save A Corka, so she’s from the same family as Frank.”

While Billinger’s training tally is well-documented, it is unclear how many victories he has notched as a driver, although Harness Racing Australia stats have the total at 892.

Go Midnight Rambler became Billinger’s initial training success on April 18, 1999, while Jaybee Queen was his maiden driving win in February 1980.

“The training figures are right, but I’ve had about 100 or so more driving wins,” Billinger said. “I’m that old, records weren’t kept properly back then.

“I can tell you though, Bruce McAvaney called my first win, which was at Kadina, and I’m positive it remains the highlight of his broadcasting days.”