By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
The New Year will also see a new driver step out for the first time.
Josh Lane will make his race day debut with two drives at Rangiora’s 11 race meeting which starts at 12.25pm.
“It’s been a goal for a long time, ” he says.
The 31-year-old, who works for Robbie Holmes at his Balcairn barn in North Canterbury, will take the reins behind Inquizitive Man for trainer David McKenzie in Race 4, the Jack Behrns Memorial Trot (1.50pm) and then MM Sunshine (30m) for Holmes in Race 10, the Thank You North Canterbury Trotting Club Handicap Trot.
Both are at double figure odds with Inquizitive Man at $71, and MM Sunshine at $19.
Lane is originally from Whanganui and has been a successful greyhound trainer.
But harness racing has always been a big interest.
He co-owned Motu Great Sensation who had five wins for him and trainer-driver Brent Borcoskie.
“That was about eight-nine years ago and I drove her every day I could.”
Driving on race day then became a goal.
In preparation for today Lane has had “about 30 trial drives”.
He won one with the Holmes-trained Spirit Of Atlanta.
“I’m just excited to get out there, I just want to enjoy the occasion.”
He is realistic about his chances and knows it will be a learning experience.
“In Sunshine’s races there are 15 or 16 horses, she’s off 30 metres as the highest-rated horse and I’ve never raced in a field that big.”
She has had 10 wins in her 100 starts.
So is this the start of something?
“I guess I’ll know pretty soon if I’m good at this or not,” he laughs.