By Jordyn Bublitz
Northern reinswoman Holly Moralde Sands gets a special opportunity at Cambridge Raceway tonight, teaming up with Regal Girl in the Harness Hoedown Skyline Lounge 25th Sept Handicap Trot (6.29pm).
The five-year-old daughter of What The Hill is trained by Moralde Sands’ employer Tony Herlihy and while she has had a handful of race-day drives so far, this will be her very first behind one from Herlihy’s team, and her first official drive at Cambridge.
Until now, all four of her race day appearances have come aboard her own trotter, Grace N Elegance. She admits she’s still finding her feet in the sport but is relishing every opportunity to learn.
“Driving at the races is a lot different to what I expected, it’s a lot calmer and quieter than I would’ve thought,” Holly explained. “It’s a great feeling to be out there on my own horse, she’s a lovely animal and a great teacher.”
Tonight she climbs aboard Regal Girl, who has been racing in strong Alexandra Park company in recent weeks. The mare is backing up from her race last Friday in a tough free-for-all assignment, and two starts ago caught the eye when charging into third after an early break cost her valuable ground. On paper, tonight’s field is a drop in grade, but the pair will need to overcome a 35m handicap to feature.
Despite the challenge, Holly is upbeat about their chances.
“She’s been racing really well, it’s just her last few starts she’s been held up and hasn’t really gotten a run,” Holly said. “She should go well tonight, her best form hasn’t been over the 2700m but compared to what she’s been up against at Auckland this is a decent drop in grade.”
The opportunity to drive Regal Girl is made even more special by the fact it comes for Herlihy, who along with his wife Suzanne has played a central role in her career so far.
“I’ve learnt most of what I know from Tony. Both he and Suzanne have been massive supporters of mine,” Holly said. “With all of the support that they have given me, it would mean a lot to be able to drive a winner for them.”
