Talk about a good week. Harness racing's rising Queensland star Leonard Cain has had a week to remember, both on and off the race track.
It started last Sunday night at the Racing Queensland Awards function in Brisbane at Moda Portside when he was crowned the co-winner of the Young Achiever of the Year.
The award is sponsored by generous harness racing benefactors Kevin and Kay Seymour and the prize is a trip to North America to spend time working and learning under the watchful eye of outstanding horseman and former Australian Ross Croghan in New Jersey.
And then the good fortune continued throughout the week at the track.
Cain was successful at every TAB meeting staged in the south east of the state culminating with his victory in the $15,540 Rising Stars Championship Final at Albion Park last night (Saturday).
Tuesday – Albion Park – Bodhi Tree ($3.70)
Wednesday – Redcliffe – Modern Thought ($3.90)
Thursday – Redcliffe – Chang Mai ($75.70)
Friday – Albion Park – Likeallofus ($5)
Saturday – Albion Park – Bodhi Tree ($2.10)
In total, Cain took 16 drives for 5 victories and one minor placing.
“It’s been an incredible week and it’s something I’m very proud of, I can’t thank the owners and trainers who supported me.” Cain said.
The 18-year-old was also booked for a number of drives at the non-TAB Marburg meeting today (Sunday) before the abandonment owing to the inclement weather.
His tally for the 2017/18 season now sits at 14 wins which has him 8th in the state drivers premiership while he also ranks 4th in the concession drivers premiership.
The victory behind the Peter Greig trained Bodhi Tree elevated him to 5th in the metropolitan drivers’ standings.
In his opening season (2016/17), Cain landed 55 winners from 535 drives and therefore created a new record by a Queensland driver for most wins in a maiden term.
The previous record belonged to Brittany Graham at 40.
Hoofnote – Narissa McMullen was the co-winner of the Young Achiever of the Year award.
Chris Barsby