Photo by Ashlea Brennan
“BEST day ever” are the words Woodvale High graduate Kiara Davies used to describe her first track work run behind the Craig Abercromby trained Time Is Ticking.
Growing up with her parents and sister Polly in Kingsley, Davies originally wanted to be a jockey and admired top riders Paul Harvey and former leading female jockey Alana Williams, however once she learnt of the weight and height requirements she decided to put her interest into harness racing instead.
From a young age, Davies would assist Colin Brown around his Banjup stables on weekends and school holidays, helping jog the horses and learn the ropes within the industry.
Davies father Graeme, who now enjoys breeding pacers as a hobby, always owned pacers and it intrigued her to have some sort of involvement within the industry. Graeme’s first bred foal, a filly called Lucy after Davies’ late Nan and by Art Major, is currently in the paddock after having her first race preparation and earlier this month he welcomed his second foal ‘Owie’, named after Davies’ Pop, a colt by Renaissance Man..
Studying accounting and working full-time as a financial planner, Davies endeavoured to go full-time in the harness game after driving track work part-time for Abercromby and it was from there she would have her first trial with Time Is Ticking, the same horse that gave her such enjoyment on her first track work day.
Davies enjoyed her first driving win in April 2012 behind her horse and now beloved hack Arts Gangsta and in 2013 received her trainer’s licence. It was not long afterwards Davies tasted the thrill of the training game when Where and When won at Gloucester Park with driver Chris Lewis; a night that was fitting for the young up and coming trainer as Lewis was a driver she admired within the harness industry for all of the advice and guidance she has received from him over the years.
Now working full-time for well-known trainer/driver Aldo Cortopassi and training a small team of her own out of Darling Downs, Davies is taking freelance drives when given the opportunity and is enjoying life just the way it is.
Admitting the pressure she puts on herself with training, Davies has every intention to train a small team and when I asked where she sees herself in five years, she explains “Hopefully retired from driving and having a family”
Favourite past time: Beer and wine festivals
Favourite food: Italian
Best driver/trainer: Aldo Cortopassi and Chris Lewis
Best looking person in harness racing: Kristy Sheehy