No doubt at some stage the corks will be popping and the balloons flying following the victory of Wedderburn trainer Nick Youngson’s Bacardi Lindy-Claudys Queen mare Champagnes in the Aldebaran Park Concession Drivers Pace at Maryborough on Monday.
The result provided an elated 21-year-old local reinswoman Olivia Jardine her first victory when having only her ninth race drive.
Raced by Nick’s wife Debbie, Champagnes was given a sweet trip by Jardine, who found a spot in behind pacemaker and speedy mare Jessicas Story from gate four.
Angling away from the markers approaching the final bend, Champagnes pounced on a gap and raced to the front after Beautiful Sunrise had taken over running into the home turn. In the end, the seven-year-old recorded a runaway 7.1m victory at odds of $45.60.
Jardine has always loved horses and grew up in the equestrian field before taking an interest in the harness scene. At one stage, she assisted as a swabbing steward at the provincial tracks.
While her parents have no major interest in the sport, grandfather Ed Jardine had a smart horse by the name of Rathscar (by Floodlight) in the halcyon days who won numerous races.
“My grandfather Edward Jardine and his first cousin Hughie were always in the sport, and my Aunty Gail was married to Dick Benger, so she was heavily involved too. (Trainer) Maree Caldow is her daughter,” Jardine told Harnesslink’s Terry Gange.
“Dad was more into motorbikes and didn’t follow his father into harness racing. I went to the trots a few times when I was a kid, but I thought it was pretty boring, so I went for the riding side of things.
“Dad’s into the gallops and I really wanted to be a jockey. But I’m an only child and mum and dad would only give me permission to do something a ‘bit less dangerous’, which they thought was harness racing!”
Judging by her exhibition on Monday, more winners will come Olivia’s way.
“I’m on cloud nine – over the moon!” Jardine said.
“It’s hard to believe it happened and on my home track, too. I did most of my trials at Maryborough, and a lot of my support crew were there.
“Dad was there to see my win and he was over the moon, but mum was home sick. They don’t say too much, but I think they’re pretty chuffed that I’ve worked pretty hard to get that first win.”