Today is a wintry old day at Mildura but it is one Stevie Blacker will not soon forget, for the harness enthusiast, 47, not only sat in the sulky for the first time in a race in the Tenderprint Australia Pace – he won said event in style aboard a horse he also owns.
Blacker took the reins aboard four-year-old Bettors Delight gelding Kolovos and looked every bit accustomed to the role of race driver, controlling the tempo from the chair to coast home by 1.5 metres.
A popular member of the trots’ Twitterati – he is @realMrCricket on Twitter – congratulatory messages were quickly flowing among fellow participants and harness fans.
Kolovos has now won two races since crossing from New Zealand earlier this year and is trained by Aaron Dunn.
And we'll be watching the form guides to find out when Blacker will be shooting for two from two.
@realmrcricket goes bang great stuff
— Jayden brewin (@jayden_brewin) July 3, 2020
well done Steve Blacker first drive in a race a winner +he owns it Kolovos outstanding drive never panicked 12/10 #driveoftheday #congratulations
— Tom Hogan (@gothevikings) July 3, 2020
@realmrcricket goes bang at Mildura! Congratulations brother!!! First drive you’ll never forget that one!!! #neverindoubt #steviewonder
— Matthew Craven (@Mattiejcraven) July 3, 2020
Photos by Mildura Harness Racing Club