Young gun chasing Inter Dominion history

FRESH from registering a personal milestone last night, Jye Coney has a chance to create history this weekend.

One of Australia’s most exciting young drivers, Coney notched a double in Newcastle, with his second win – Nitro Danny – his 300th victory.

Making his debut in 2023, Coney broke his maiden with Colby in Tamworth on August 17 – a fortnight after his 16th birthday.

“I knew I was getting close to 300 as Fred Hastings mentioned it last week,” Coney said. “I thought I had a chance of getting there at Menangle on Saturday night, but I didn’t have any luck.

“It’s come along pretty quickly and I am very lucky to have been given so many opportunities by owners and trainers to drive their horses.”

As for his quest at history, Coney is a chance to become the youngest Inter Dominion winning driver since the Championship’s inauguration in 1936.

Chris Lewis holds the record as the youngest Inter Dominion winning driver after partnering Carclew to glory in the 1976 Championship in Adelaide.

In what was just his 51st win, Lewis was 20 when he climbed harness racing’s highest peak.

At a still wet-behind-the-ears 18, Coney will take the reins behind Dangerous in Saturday night’s Final at Albion Park.

Coney turns 19 next month.

One of three Jason Grimson-trained runners in the field, Dangerous sealed his berth in the $1million decider with a heat win at the same venue last week.

Drawn barrier five, the son of Sweet Lou is listed at $8 with TAB Fixed Odds, with defending champion Leap To Fame the $2.20 favourite from gate 11.

Dangerous’ stablemates Minos and Captains Mistress are at $5 and $2.40 from barriers three and six.

“I grew up watching my idols in races like the Inter Dominion, and now to be given the chance to drive in one is a tremendous privilege,” Coney said. “I can’t thank Jason and the owners enough for choosing me.

“Winning the Inter Dominion is a dream for every driver, and to be driving a solid chance is amazing.

“Leap To Fame is the all-time greatest, but having driven Captains Mistress, I’d have to say she is the one to beat from the draw.”