Teenager Rory Coverdale has had a long association with horses after being involved in eventing and riding since she was three years old, but her harness racing knowledge was almost non-existent prior to starting a part-time job with Marg Lee five years ago.
After gaining a licence to drive in races just this season, Coverdale steered home her first winner at just her ninth start when Matthew Craven-trained Banksofthemurray charged to victory at Hamilton on Friday afternoon.
“It was a bit unexpected on that horse. It was only the second time I had driven him. I had a nice, quiet grin after the line,” Coverdale told thetrots.com.au.
“My grandparents were there to support me, so that was pretty special.”
The 19-year-old started her career in harness racing with Lee while attending school before Craven offered her a full-time position.
“I used to drive past Marg Lee’s place and I said to mum one day: ‘I think I’m going to get a job there’,” Coverdale said.
“I was in year 10 when Mattie offered me a full-time job and I haven’t left.”
While one winner and four placings from limited starts would suggest Coverdale could be a natural in the cart, driving in races wasn’t initially in the picture when she started in the industry.
“It is a funny story actually. I was really scared of driving when I first started, but Mattie pushed me and told me I could do it. He threw me in the deep end, but that gave me the confidence that I could do it,” Coverdale said.
“Everyone at the stables has been great. They told me I could do it and have congratulated me. I can’t thank Mattie enough for the support he has given me.”
Coverdale will be back in the sulky at Thursday night’s Ballarat meeting where she will partner the Craven-trained Regal Reggae, the horse she had her very first race drive with in May.
