Jack pot! Teenager wins at his first drive

Teenage New South Wales driver Jack Stockton has joined an elite club of harness racing drivers who have registered a win at their very first attempt – and even fewer could claim a maiden victory at odds of 70/1!

“You can dream about these things happening, but I still can’t believe that I did it,” the jubilant 17-year-old said.

“It’s so exciting because mum and dad own her, dad is the trainer and she’s my favorite horse. My pride and joy,” he said.

“I’ve been told Darren Hancock won at his first drive and Cameron Hart is another one, so those are a bit of a hard act to follow!”

Stockton, based at Alfredtown, near Wagga Wagga, showed maturity well beyond his years with a well-judged race to narrowly land Shoobees Charm (Shoobees Place USA) in the $9792 Premium Punter Ladyship Pace at his home track last Friday (Dec 6).

After beginning quickly from barrier four, the youngster handed up the lead to warm favorite Janie Blu (Brad Hewitt).

Stockton then sat quietly waiting to use the sprint lane and timed his run to the line to perfection, just holding out a fast finishing The Talk (Harrison Ross) by a half neck.

“I actually didn’t know if I’d won or not. Then when we were pulling up, another driver Ellen Jones leaned over and gave me a big fist pump. The Clerk of the Course congratulated me too, so that’s when it all become real,” he said.

“I can’t describe how I felt—-it was an unreal feeling. I think it was that I couldn’t believe what I’d just done.

“I’ve since watched the race replay a fair few times and I don’t think I would have won had the race been any further. The inside horse The Talk was getting home.”

SHOOBEES CHARM REPLAY

Stockton is the son of Jake and Jessica, who operate Wingate Farm, and who race the eight-year-old mare.

“She’s just a beautiful horse. You can do anything with her, and I first learnt to drive on her at home. Then when I decided to get my driver’s licence and had to do 20 trial drives – 18 were on Shoobee!” he said.

“When I was at school, I was always waiting for the day I could be home with dad and the horses. I was never going to do anything else. I just love them and the breeding part as well.

“Our stud property comes first. It’s number one and then we work our team of five racehorses. Dad was a handy enough driver, and he’s got keen again to train a few and give me some driving opportunities.”

Jake Stockton and his partner Jessica Francis purchased Wingate Farm three years ago and the former bricklayer has thrown his heart and soul into building the stud through sought-after stallions including Father Nuno (1:50.8; a full brother to Captaintreacherous); Tintin In America (1:56,2; sire of the fastest mare in history, Shartin), square gaiter Fast As The Wind (1:52.4; by the breed changing sire, Cantab Hall); and Be Happy Mach (1:52.7; a super quick son of Mach Three).

Wingate Farm offers Artificial Insemination services for all fresh, chilled and frozen semen, transported semen, foaling down, yearling preparation, pre-training, rehabilitation services, stallion collection facilities, as well as agistment (long or short term).

Racing is just a sideline to the Stockton family’s stud work operations.

“We’ve been flat out and the two new stallions from the US have been popular. I think we’ve had 27 foals so far this breeding season,” Jack said.

“Mum does all the publicity and other office work, while my younger sister Molly, who isn’t interested in training or driving, helps out when we need her.

“Dad was at the track with a few of his mates to see me get my first winner, along with my Nan Julie. Mum missed out because she was at work, and Molly was at school.

“But we all went out for tea at the pub that night to celebrate. Dad has been great, along with Roger Strong who works for us. They are great to ask for any advice.

“Providing I can keep learning and get a bit of success along the way, I’ll be very happy. I just love the horses and the industry.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink