Seth Hill stars in memorable Oaks win

Driving his first Group One winner tonight, young Canterbury driver Seth Hill demonstrated that harness racing in this country is in good hands.

“It sounds pretty good. It’s an amazing feeling. It was awesome,” Hill said after winning the $100,000 G1 Pascoes the Jewellers Northern Oaks with Cath, (Sweet Lou) who is trained by his proud father Brendon Hill.

“It’s up there. I’ve trained some horses to win some big races. It’s up there,” an emotional father said straight after the win.

As many expected, from a good barrier draw, Hill took Cath to the top.

“I was happy with the draw and did a lot of form. Obviously I don’t drive up here heaps. I had a good look and really couldn’t see anyone I wanted to hand to on the front line. We got looked at a little bit and she got tired late, but she dug hard. It was really cool.”

CATH REPLAY

At the end of the 2700 metre trip, Cath was one and three quarters of the length in front of brave southern filly Ideal Crown.

“We knew we could do it and we had the horse to do it. We knew we probably had to lead. There was a bit of messy stuff which took some of them out unfortunately,” Brendon said.

This is the second time Hill has won the race as a trainer – his other winner was Carabella in 2011.

“I wouldn’t compare her with her, but it’s cool to have a three year old filly.”

To make it even more special, Brendon and his good friend Tony Hickman race Cath.

“This early in your career, to drive horses like her, to come up to Alexandra Park and to do what she just did, I’m very lucky and fortunate with Dad and Tony having the faith in me.”

“He’s got a long way to go but I tell ya he’s heading in the right direction. I’m just so proud of him, the horse and Tony. It’s everything. It’s a big deal,” Brendon added.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink