Grace Jones is the latest harness racing participant to dabble in both equine codes.
Grace, who has two drives on Friday’s Launceston harness program, has taken up work in the thoroughbred code with a north-west coast-based trainer.
Of her drives on Friday, Jones has retained the drive on the Michael Laugher-trained Magomedov, whom she partnered to a first-up win on 23 November.
On that occasion, the four-year-old gelded son of Betting Line sat in the one-one, before racing three-wide from the 350m, to go on and score by a short-half head, to give Grace the bragging rights in the Jones household with her older brother Malcom driving the second placegetter Repetitive, who is trained by their father Mark.
“He went good, Michael (Laugher) was expecting him to go well,” said Grace about Magomedov’s recent win.
“They went slowly, and the fastest horse was always going to win.”
The gelding has drawn barrier four in Friday’s Impress Print Stakes (2200m), with another forward showing expected by the driver.
“I think he has a real good winning chance, the race isn’t any harder than what he raced last week. It’s just a sticky draw.”
Earlier in the night, Grace will team up with her father, Mark, in the Vizpix Broadcast Services Pace, with Hay Miki.
The Always B Miki gelding won in Launceston in late September, recording his first placing since his third last start.
“He is going well, he just isn’t having any luck. We opted for a gear change last week that seemed to work, so hopefully it does again.
“With any luck, he should be hitting the line hard,” said Grace.
Grace is a recent graduate of Tasracing’s Racing Industry Internship program.
“It was a great experience getting to go to different stables and learning more about the thoroughbred code.
“I work for (thoroughbred trainer) Leanne Gaffney now during the mornings, and I’m really enjoying it,” said Grace.
