It was a big night for 17-year-old reinsman Liam Older in Hobart on Sunday night when he drove his first winner at his 15th race drive.
The win came aboard the Michael Laugher-trained Believe In Forever in the Tasmanian Equine Veterinary Services Pace.
From barrier one, Older settled the gelded son of Rock N Roll Heaven behind the leader before using the sprint lane late to score by a short half head over Murry.
“I didn’t even think I got close, then a few of the other drivers were saying I think you got there coming off the track, so I was pretty rapt,” Liam Older said after the win.
Older had an interest in racing, but when he started to get taller, he made a decision to change codes.
“I always wanted to be a jockey growing up but I got a bit big for that, so a couple of years ago I thought I would try harness racing and went to the races a few times, and Mick (Laugher) said to come out and he would teach me how to drive and I have been going out there every spare minute I get since,” explained Liam.
It was fitting Liam’s first winner came for trainer Michael Laugher, and on a horse that Liam’s family races.
“Mick and Toni (Laugher) have been a big influence and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. I can’t thank them enough,” he said.
Liam is trying to convince his family to finish his education in a couple of months at the end of Year 11. If not, he will continue to drive in the state while completing Year 12, with a view of developing his harness racing career interstate when the time is right.
Liam will team up again with Believe In Forever in race 10 in Devonport this Sunday night where they have drawn inside of the second row.
The Devonport card features the Group 2 Maxfield Drilling Raider Stakes and the Collins Homes Granny Smith, also at Group 2 level.
