Wagga reinsman Matt Harrington brought up his first win with Miss Ponder at Leeton on Friday.
Harrington has been driving for the last 10 months but finally broke through for his maiden win when he caused an upset for boss Paul Kahlefeldt.
The 22-year-old was thrilled to bring up the win, especially for Kahlefeldt.
“I’m over the moon,” Harrington said. “It was a big surprise.
“I thought during the run that all I needed to do was get out as she was travelling so well.”
Miss Ponder ($83.00) was three back on the pegs but when Harrington found free running for the six-year-old she stormed home to defeat My Mach Scooter ($21) by 1.5 metres,
Harrington thought drawing one was the change of fortunes both horse and driver needed after the six-year-old brought up her first win since February.
“I thought from the draw she would be a big show as she’d been running bug races with bad draws,” he said.
“I thought with a bit of luck she’d be right in it which happened and I was quite happy with the way she went.”
It looked as though Harrington would quickly bring up his second winning in the following race but had to settle for a second with Refused Service.
Harrington has been working for Kahlefeldt for more than five years and was pleased his first win was for his boss.
“If it wasn’t for Paul Kahlefeldt I wouldn’t have driven my first winner,” he said.
