Photo by Ashlea Brennan - Gloucester Park
GAP YEAR, a year for high school graduates to take off and enjoy prior to engaging in university life. However this was not the case for young up and coming driver Deni Roberts, for she had other plans in sight.
Having graduated from Swan Valley Anglican Community in 2012, Roberts was set to further her studies in Sport and Health Exercise Science, instead she made the decision to continue working full-time in the equine industry.
For the past two and a half years, Roberts has made her way out to Allwood Stud to work horses for Bob Fowler and carry out the stud duties for the remainder of the day. Privileged enough to take part in the day to day care of super star New Zealand pacer Follow the Stars, currently standing at Allwood, Roberts describes him as the best horse she’s associated with thus far and is grateful to have the bond she does with him.
Roberts was introduced into the pacing game by her mother Sonia Zucchiatti and at the age of six started out in the pony trots. Having her first track work run for Kim Prentice at fourteen, Roberts knew exactly what she wanted to do and continued her way through the ranks and eventually made her way onto the track to race at a competitive level.
Roberts' first trial was at Byford on Borntobeanartist for Chelsey Harding; her first drive took her up to Northam for the sit on Mene Jacka and, after waiting patiently, she finally enjoyed a sentimental win with Leftrightgoodnight, a gelding her mum bred, owns and admittedly is the family pet.
Long hours and a lot of travel paid off for Roberts when she scored her first double at Kellerberrin behind Batavia Comet and Grandpa Jim.
Chasing that elusive salute of a metropolitan winner, Roberts is travelling the miles to the likes of Kalgoorlie week in and week out to prove her worth to trainers and owners within the harness racing fraternity. Granted an upgrade in licence, which now allows her to drive at a metropolitan meeting, in September this year, the closest Roberts has come to the victory yet is running multiple thirds on Bonny Under Fire and Leftrightgoodnight.
Roberts speaks highly of her mentor and major influence in Kim Prentice. He has had the biggest driving impact on her within the industry and she models herself around his style and technique. Taking the time out to assist Roberts when needed with his expertise and her dedication, she is destined to be the next big thing.
If you could be a driver for a day who would it be: Gary Hall Jnr
What scares you the most: Sharks
What’s the first thing you notice about people: Their eyes
One thing people wouldn’t know about you: I’m really good at swimming
Best looking person in harness racing: Nathan Turvey
