Abby Sanderson’s training career is off to an exciting start, with the 21 year old set to make her Group 1 debut just one week after recording her first starter.
Sanderson will take Fully Reckless to Melton on Saturday night for the $150,000 Group 1 APG Vicbred Super Series Final for two-year-old colts and geldings, with the talented pacer qualifying after a strong second placing in last Saturday night’s semi-final.
It means Saturday will be just Sanderson’s second start as a trainer, and already she has a runner competing for one of the biggest prizes on the Victorian racing calendar.
For Sanderson, the transition into the training ranks is a natural one after growing up surrounded by harness racing.
She was born into the sport with her parents Shane and Naomi Sanderson, who have spent years training and racing horses, while her older brother Ryan has also established himself as a successful driver.
Abby has spent her whole life around the family stable and has learned the industry alongside her parents, with Naomi continuing to play a major role behind the scenes.
Shane recently took a step back from harness racing to focus on training thoroughbreds, handing the reins of the family’s pacing team to his daughter.
“I’ve been in the industry my whole life with my father Shane,” Sanderson said.
“Dad took a back step a few months ago to focus on the gallopers, so I took over the pacers.”
While her training career is in its infancy, Sanderson is certainly no stranger to the industry or success.
She has driven 106 winners, with career highlights including the 2023 VHRC Caduceus 3YO Classic with Catalpa Rescue and the 2024 Group 3 Mildura Cup Final with Dangerous, both trained by her father.
She has also developed a strong connection with the media side of the sport, featuring in Shepparton Harness Racing Club’s Wager Wednesday and assisting with Harness Racing Victoria’s Saturday night TrotsVision coverage.
Now, Sanderson is getting the opportunity to put her knowledge into practice from the training ranks, with Fully Reckless among a talented group of pacers entrusted to her.
“We’ve got such quality horses at home. I am very, very fortunate that the Lowrys and that syndicate of owners trust me with these types of horses like Atua Magic and Fully Reckless,” she said.
“And they’re pretty above average.
“So to be in, and run some good races in feature races early on in my career would be a huge goal and thrill for me.”
Sanderson admitted she was nervous heading into Fully Reckless’s semi-final, with Chris Alford taking the drive.
“I was super excited but also had my fair share of nerves,” she said.
“I’m not sure the nerves will get much better this week being in a Group 1.”
Fully Reckless has drawn barrier six for Saturday night’s final, with Sanderson hopeful his speed can see him feature prominently.
“I thought his run was super. He only got out late and he hit the line really well,” she said.
“We’ve always had a nice opinion of him. He just probably hasn’t raced the best ones, so it was great to see him right up there with them.”
Sanderson believes the colt’s versatility and high speed can prove valuable from barrier six.
“I think his best asset is his high speed, so hopefully he gets a bit of luck wherever he is in the run.”
