Young reinsman finally breaks maiden

IT TOOK longer than hoped, but concession reinsman Mason Bigeni has broken his maiden.

A third generation horseman, Bigeni obtained his driver’s licence this season having gained a strong foundation through Harness Racing New South Wales’ Mini Trots system.

Bigeni’s grandfather Simon started the family’s passion for standardbreds as a trainer in Malta more than six decades ago before migrating to Australia.

The love of horses was passed on to Simon junior, who now prepares a boutique stable with his son Mason and his two brothers Jake, 23, Klayton, 20.

Jake and Klayton have made their way into the winners’ circle on numerous occasions, while Bigeni found victory elusive – until last Friday night.

Luck finally changed for the 16-year-old who registered his initial triumph behind Some Chevron in Newcastle.

Bigeni had been among the placegetters in almost a third of his previous drives.

“It took a bit longer than I thought it would, but I am rapt to finally get a win,” Bigeni said. “I can’t thank Clayton (Harmey, trainer) enough for giving me the drive.

“To get a win is amazing and I will never forget my first winner.”

After finding the lead from barrier seven, Some Chevron was never seriously challenged on his way to a two-and-a-half metre win from Saint Karamara.

Louigi was a half-neck away third as the winner stopped the clock in 1:568 over a mile.

“I was quietly confident as that was a drop in class for him,” Bigeni said. “Once I got to the lead I felt he would be able to hold them off.

“I got pretty excited up the straight and was rapt when he got to the line.”