Darnika's delight

Burnham junior harness racing driver Darnika Williams got off the mark at Rangiora yesterday when she drove the Peter and Mitchell Robertson trained Royal Belle (Gold Ace) to win her first race.

Williams sped Royal Belle out of the gate and was up vying for the lead before handing up to A Better Jackalack to take a trail.

“They wanted me to lead, but I didn’t want to do too much work. I didn’t think Sam would hand but I didn’t think it was the worst idea to sit on the pegs,” Williams said.

As the field straightened for the run home, Williams decided not to take the passing lane and moved one off the fence.

“I felt I had a lot of horse there so that’s probably why I came off when I could have gone up the passing lane. I was actually quite confident.”

Royal Belle let down nicely to get up and beat Tuppence by three quarters of a length with A Better Jackalack three lengths back in third.

“It was super special. It was quite funny. In the running, Sheree Tomlinson was parked and she was yelling go, Darnika go. When I passed Sam Thornley, you could hear him all the way down the straight yelling go Darnika go go. That was pretty unreal.”

ROYAL BELL REPLAY

After the horses had crossed the line, Gemma Thornley was the first to congratulate Williams.

“She pulled up next to me. To be fair there was a big group of drivers that came up to me afterwards. Sam Thornley, Wilson House, Sheree Tomlinson and Olivia Thornley. It’s quite an unreal feeling really. I used to work with Mitchell when he was at Mark’s (Jones) and he’s always been a big supporter of me and my driving, so it was quite a thrill to get the win for him and his family.”

Williams grew up in Ruakaka and her grandfather Kenny Rae and Darnika’s mother Crystal Williams trained horses in the area.

“I grew up riding ponies with my aunties and cousins. When I moved down here, that’s when I paid some attention to harness racing and it just grew on me I guess.”

She remembers the first time she drove a standardbred.

“It was a bit boring because I just jogged one. It was my first fast work drive on Mystery Beach that really hooked me. You don’t realise how fast they go to be fair.”

Eighteen year old Darnika has been working for Mark Jones for two and a half years.

“I get great support from him. He’s always willing to help you out if you’ve got any questions. He’s always been giving me drives and has been great to me. I also get a lot of support from Ricky May, Robbie Holmes, Olivia Thornley and Sheree Tomlinson. I’m pretty lucky. My family is a massive support to me. They’re always watching.”

So, what’s next for the junior driver?

“Just to be consistent with my driving and keep learning. I may need to be a bit more aggressive when I need to. I think this win will help with my confidence.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink