Mckayler Barnes
Nineteen year old driver Mckayler Barnes enjoyed the biggest moment in her short career when she drove her first winner on Wednesday night at Young. Barnes drove King Caractacus for trainer Anne Hancock and after hitting the line was unsure whether she had brought up her maiden win.
“It was pretty close when we hit the line and I wasn’t sure whether I’d won or not, then Andrew (Brooks) who drove the second placegetter Mercy Mercy said to me ‘I think I got you’ straight after the line which made me even more uncertain,” Barnes said.
“It was a very special feeling when I realised that I won and Andrew came past and said ‘your horse must have a big head because I was sure that I got you’, but it meant a lot to get that first winner.”
Barnes is the younger sister of talented reinswoman Kylie Barnes.
“I was sure I was going to win my first race a few weeks ago (March 25) when I drove Ali Mendes in a lady drivers’ race at Bathurst, I was all set to win and Kylie came past and beat me on Amanda Von.”
“I finished second in my first ever race drive on Richrocknrustler in June of last year so it is nice to get my first win.”
Barnes was having her 22nd race drive on Wednesday evening and has been supported by a number of stables.
“I have worked for Steve Turnbull for two years and I have had a few drives for him, I have driven King Caractacus on a couple of occasions and Aaron Garaty and Kylie have given me a few drives as well, so I’m very thankful for the opportunities I get.”
“I grew up around horses and helped Anthony Simiana and Peter Sullivan a bit while I was still at school before I made the move to Bathurst to work for the Turnbull stable and I have learned a lot.”
All of the recent rain forced Barnes to give up a drive at Newcastle on Thursday afternoon.
“I was meant to go up to Newcastle and have a drive the next day but because of all the rain some of the roads were cut and I was unable to get there.”
“Hopefully my second winner is just around the corner.”
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
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