By Jonny Turner
Georgia Goodman took the pressure of driving a red-hot favourite in her stride when winning her first race in the sulky at Ascot Park yesterday.
The 21-year-old produced a no-panic steer as Secret Agent Man dispatched his opposition in style in the Selling? Call Craig at Harcourts Junior Drivers Mobile Pace to create a memory the junior driver will never forget.
Though winning her first race was already special, the reinswoman got an extra kick out of getting on the board with one of the favourite horses she works with at Nathan Williamson’s barn.
“It is amazing,” Goodman said.
“He has always been one of my favourites, so it’s really cool.”
Having her family on track to greet her in the winner’s circle with Secret Agent Man also added another nice touch to Goodman’s win.
“That was really cool, my mum and my brother were there to greet me.”
“That was a big thrill, they have been big supporters of mine ever since I started out.”
Goodman got keen on harness racing through her father Ian training horses at Winton.
What started as a part-time job at Nathan Williamson’s stable has developed into a career.
“I have always been horse mad ever since I was young.”
“When I was still at school I did a bit of after-school and holiday work for Nathan and I have been there ever since, really.”
“It is great working with quality horses all the time, it is a great thrill.”
“Nathan is great to learn off, he has all the knowledge.”
Goodman admitted that driving a $1.50 favourite brought some extra pre-race pressure.
But the junior driver stayed cool, sitting parked before Secret Agent Man dispatched his rivals.
“It made me a little bit more nervous but at the end of the day I know the horse and you always get a little bit nervous anyway.”
Goodman could add another victory to her resume at the upcoming New Zealand Harness Racing Awards.
The horsewoman has already competed in the national cadet of the year competition, with the winner to be announced at the awards evening.
“I won the Southland cadet of the year and went and competed in Christchurch against three other winners.”
“So I will find out at the New Zealand Harness Racing Awards coming up.”
Goodman had racked up seven placings before breaking through in her 19th drive yesterday.
To see Georgia Goodman speaking about his first victory click here