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King Solomon gave Michelle Phillips 300 reasons to smile on Wednesday evening as the reinswoman clocked up her 300th career win in The Verde @ The Gateway Pace at Mildura.
The 26-year-old dictated terms for most of the race, leading at the bell and pulling away to win by more than seven meters.
She said it was extremely satisfying to reach the milestone, reward for dedication, commitment and a lot of hours toil.
“It just goes to prove, people who aren’t (born into) harness racing, they can do it,” Phillips said.
“I’m proud of myself. I’ve put in the hard miles doing Mildura for the past four to five years. That’s no easy task. We drive to Mildura and then we drive all the way home. We are pretty much straight into work when we get home. It does take its toll, you have just got to push through it.”
Phillips said those around her had helped her reach new heights.
“I have had a lot of great support behind me in the past and they have helped me get to where I am. It’s been a great 300 wins, and you never really expect to get as far you do,” she said.
The Eppalock driver has built a particular connection with the John Nicholson-trained Sebs Choice, who gave Philips her maiden Group 1 win.
“I have a great bond with Sebs Choice, we won the 2022 Redcliffe Gold Cup. I also won (my) hometown Warragul Pacing Bowl Cup on him,” she said.
“I am looking at being a clerk of the course, I’m in training to do that. I just hope to train a few more winners and take every day as it comes and see how we go.”
