Maiden Success: Leonard Cain lands his first winner at Albion Park behind Sheer Strength Photo by Dan Costello
Fresh faced Queensland horseman Leonard Cain has officially launched his harness racing career.
And he’s off to a flyer.
Commencing his career earlier this week when taking his maiden drive at Redcliffe behind Double Baileys, the 17 year old went agonisingly close to gaining victory at his first attempt when second behind Blucolla Moon.
The third generation horseman was then unplaced with Last Legend later in the night before Ballator Thor also finished unplaced the following day at the same venue.
But his time to shine would come today (Friday) at Albion Park.
The natural lightweight was booked by his ‘boss’ Vicki Rasmussen for two runners in Sheer Strength and Passionate Fella and both proved triumphant.
Former Victorian gelding Sheer Strength sat without cover before proving too classy in a career best mile rate of 1:55.5 while New Zealand bred gelding Passionate Fella used the passing lane to score in a time of 1:56.0.
Cain is the son of Errol and Debra Cain and the younger brother of Alexandra, who trained her first winner earlier this month when her trotter Day Tourer proved successful at Albion Park.
Next week, both Alexandra and Leonard will combine for the first time when Day Tourer starts at Albion Park.
Errol Cain is no stranger to handy prospects having been the trainer of such types including I Am Sam, Town Royal, Caliburn Court, Spring Grove Left and Vikings Memory among others while also being recognized as a noted breaker.
It’s been a natural progression for the youngster having been surrounded by the equine variety in one way or another from a very young age.
A graduate of the Queensland mini-trotting ranks, Cain has honed his skills under the watchful eye of the state’s leading driver Shane Graham.
Cain has competed consistently in feature mini-trot events at Menangle over the years, enjoying the experience and meeting new friends.
One of his closest friends includes Will Rixon, the son of Peter and Cindy (of Divisive fame).
Cain will next drive on Tuesday at Albion Park where he’s booked for three drives.
The future looks bright for Leonard Cain.
Hoofnote; All winners at today’s meeting were driven by a concession driver. Along with Cain, both Nathan Dawson and Trista Dixon also landed doubles while sisters Narissa and Dannielle also saluted.
