YOU BEAUTY: McKayler Barnes and Club Menangle executive director Michael Brown gave the thumbs up after the Indigenous Drivers Plate at Menangle today. Photo by Michael Court
WHEN you feel like you are on the best horse in the race it’s a great start.
And that’s exactly how McKayler Barnes felt when she drove seven-year-old gelding Gotta Go Artelect at Tabcorp Park Menangle today as the pair made a one-act affair of the Kari J. C. Caffyn Indigenous Drivers Plate.
Barnes spurred Gotta Go Artelect out of the gate in a 27.3s opening split and virtually left her rivals gasping for air as the son of Art Major cruised to one of the most impressive wins in the seven years this feature race has been contested.
Able to back the speed off slightly with a 30.9s second split, Gotta Go Artelect was never seriously pressured by his rivals and the Wayne Dimech-trained gelding had plenty left in the run home, rating 55.8s for his last half to score by eight metres from Im Twice The Delight (Bruce O’Brien) with Got The Scoop (Jimmy Brown) a fast-finishing third, a further four metres further back.
Barnes qualified for this feature when she drove Blackbird Power to finish second in a heat at Parkes to qualify for today’s final. She missed the Wagga and Tamworth heats but had already sealed her spot in the big race.
“That was just awesome,” said the excited young lady as she returned.
“The horse went to the line super and I didn’t even need to pull the plugs,” she said.
“He just felt so strong.
“I know Wayne (Dimech, trainer) from when I first began driving.
“To be honest they said this horse was a bit mad so I was bit nervous when I first went out.
“I just hoped he’d settle a bit.
“Coming around the final bend I gave him one tap with the whip and he just felt super.
“I won a lady drivers race at Peak Hill but this certainly compares and is probably my biggest win.
“This series is great and more people are getting involved every year.
“I also love the colours they presented to us . . . they’re cool.”
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION TELEPHONE CLUB MENANGLE RACING MANAGER DAVID WONSON (02) 4645 2200
