Teenage young gun harness racing driver Leonard Cain admits he loves nothing better than being busy and tackling a new challenge head-on.
"I'm just so much happier when there's a lot going on, preferably getting more race drives from trainers and ultimately more winners!" Cain said.
The 19-year-old started his Sydney career off in a blaze of glory, combining with his boss Noel Daley, to post wins with their first four starters.
"We couldn't have got off to a much better start than that. It was unbelievable," Cain said.
"You just dream of things like that, but you don't expect them to happen."
Former superstar North American horseman Daley, with enough USA achievements to his credit to choke a bull, is private trainer for leviathan owner Emilio Rosati and his wife Mary.
Daley recruited former Queenslander Cain to be the stable number one driver a few months ago.
"I was having a good run back home, but the offer to join the Rosati-Daley team was such a huge opportunity," Cain said.
"I've learnt such much from Noel – it's invaluable. He's so easy to adapt to and probably the perfect boss," he said.
"He's happy for me to travel, and I'm now starting to pick up outside drives from well-known trainers like Ian Wilson, Darren Binskin, Team Tritton, Mark Lefoe and others."
In recent times, Cain has been seen competing at Wagga, Newcastle, Goulburn, Bathurst, Penrith and Menangle.
"The travel is just part of being in the industry and I haven't got a problem with it – you have to do it if you want to succeed," Cain said.
The enthusiastic youngster landed the longest-priced winner of his short, but exciting, career last Saturday night – and he didn't have to travel far to do it!
Cain took out the $20,400 M1 event at NSW headquarters, Menangle, with Uncle Jay for Mark Lefoe.
Uncle Jay – Ashlea Brennan Photo
Uncle Jay (Art Major USA-Kays My Gem (Presidential Ball USA) shot most punters out of the water with starting odds of $126.
Uncle Jay
"It was the first time I'd driven the horse, but he felt terrific during the run and got to the line strongly," an elated Cain said.
"I enjoy driving at Menangle. However, it surprised me being so flat. It's only my opinion, but I think there'd be sensational times recorded if it was banked more."
Cain, born and raised in Queensland, drove 55 winners in his first season in 2017. The following season he was successful on 48 occasions and is now enjoying his best season ever, with a tally of 66.
"I've settled in well and quite enjoy Sydney. My girlfriend Bethany Manga is with me and she now helps around the stables as well as doing nursing studies at TAFE," he said.
"We met when we were both doing the mini trotters."
Terry Gange
NewsAlert PR Mildura