At 16, Cody is a winner in the sulky

Novice driver Cody Crossland all smiles after his first win.After eight placings since starting his harness racing driving career early last month, young reinsman Cody Crossland is finally a winner.

The 16-year-old scored a memorable first success in the sulky at Yarra Valley this afternoon, piloting My Golden Eagle to victory in the Hi-Style Building Group 3YO Maiden Pace.

Crossland, the son of well-known trainer-driver Laura, settled last in the small field of six and came with a sweeping run in the home straight to charge past leader and odds-on favourite Whiskey And Rye.

ā€œIt was very good, very exciting and a big moment. It was pretty good going across the line,ā€ Crossland said.

ā€œAt the top of the straight, I was a bit worried because Kate (Gath on Whiskey And Rye) had a bit of a kick on me and she looked like she wasnā€™t travelling too bad. I was travelling good and about 50m out, I knew I had her.

ā€œIt was a big thrill. It felt awesome.ā€

The breakthrough success was even more special due to the fact it was for long-time friend and master trainer David Aiken, whom Crossland now works for on a full-time basis.

ā€œIā€™ve been coming to Davidā€™s since I was about five, if not younger. Iā€™ve been coming and going,ā€ he said.

ā€œIt was really good to win for David Aiken and especially on this horse, too. Heā€™s not a bad horse to have around, heā€™s one of my favourites and itā€™s his first winner.ā€

Crosslandā€™s maiden win came at his 20thĀ drive, while it was My Golden Eagleā€™s first success at start 10.

The young driver will be back in action at Friday nightā€™s Shepparton meeting, where he has a handful of bookings.

Watch Crossland’s first win below:

HRV – Tim O’Connor
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