Armed with a famous piece of racing equipment, Kiwi reinsman Korbyn Newman is eager to make an impact in the Sunshine State following his move.
The 25-year-old wasted no time getting to the races after relocating from New Zealand.
Newman landed in Queensland on Thursday of last week and was straight to the track, driving Cochy Malc for emerging conditioner Riley Butt at the Albion Park Friday afternoon meeting.
Race favourite Aldebaranstilinski was far too strong over a mile in the trotters race that Newman drove in but he did enough to sneak into second in his maiden Queensland outing.
As Cochy Malc started as a $19 shot from the second line, the gelding ran well for the concession driver.
“It was good, I managed to get second so I was happy with that,” the reinsman said.
“Riley is a mate from way back, so it’s good.”
The 22-year-old Butt was keen to back his fellow Kiwi in his new venture.
It was Cochy Malc’s best performance in a race since the middle of August last year when he also finished second.
“I have been back over to NZ a few times and met him over the last few years,” Butt said of Newman.
“He said he was coming over so I thought I would chuck him on.”
In driving Cochy Malc at Albion Park, Newman did so in the sulky that Canadian-born champion reinsman Yannick Gingras used during the recent Ultimate Driver Championship.
Gingras used the bike with great fortune during the UDC as he drove Darren Weeks’ Instant Delight to victory on the Friday evening.
Newman says he is grateful to be able to use the sulky of the legendary driver who is based in North America.
“I have got the five point claim so it’s good,” Newman said.
“I am aiming to pick up a few drives. I think I have driven around 80 winners in New Zealand and been driving for six years.
“I worked for some good trainers at Christchurch in New Zealand.
“I am looking forward to driving here in Queensland now. It will be a bit of fun, hopefully.”
Newman will work for the multiple Group 1-winning team of Michael Brennan when the currently Western Australian-based conditioner has his Queensland stable established in April.
Brennan thinks the up-and-coming Kiwi reinsman will hold his own against the current crop of Sunshine State drivers.
“We are really excited about him,” Brennan said.
“From everyone I have spoken to in New Zealand and the reports, they say he is an incredibly hard worker.
“He is a lovely young man, I am told, as well.
"I am looking forward to working with him and giving him opportunities. He is a good kid.”
