By Duane Ranger (courtesy of Redcliffe Paceway)
Twenty-two months after driving her first win with her first race-day drive, Chloe Formosa, has created another first – this time at Redcliffe Paceway.
The 17-year-old Ellalong (NSW) claim-driver, has now reined her first Queensland winner with her first ‘out-of-State-drive’ thanks to her 7.2 metre victory in race six yesterday (May 19).
It was also Formosa’s first victory of the season, after five drives in 2023.
Formosa created her latest milestone behind the Grant Dixon trained Bettor To Be Tricky after leading all the way from gate one in the 2,040m mobile. It was the 9-year-old Bettor’s Delight gelding’s 25th triumph in 248 starts ($240,000). He was tne $3.30 fixed odds favourite and his mile rate was 1:57.9.
“It’s the first time I’ve driven outside my State, and I really enjoyed the experience. The Redcliffe track was awesome to drive on. I hope it won’t be my last. I could get used to this,” Formosa said.
She explained she was now employed by Menangle trainer Robbie Morris, and was enjoying working at Grant Dixon’s stable at Mount Tamborine while in Queensland.
“I think we will be here for most of the Winter, so hopefully I can get a few more wins before we go home,” Formosa said.
Formosa, who followed her multiple Group One winning trainer/driver and father Michael (Ellalong), into the industry, has now driven 15 winners from 196 drives.
The talented teenager has also placed 40 times and netted $142,990 in purses. Formosa has now been driving for three seasons, with eight wins in 2021 and six last year.
Her debut victory came behind the Michael Formosa trained Ultimate Force at Newcastle on July 23, 2021.
“Dad has been my mentor and taught me everything I know. It was so great to win that first race on a horse trained by him. The Redcliffe win will always be memorable too, because it was for me new boss, Robbie,” Formosa said.
For just over two weeks now, and his 16 horses here were being trained in Dixon’s name.
“I’ve been around horses for as long as I can remember, and I went and worked for Dad when I finished Year Nine at Mount View High School in Cessnock.
“Then I left Dad’s in November and went and worked for a thoroughbred trainer at Randwick. That was an eye-opening experience. I really loved it, but sadly that job fell through when my boss got a good job overseas.
“Then Robbie found out I was looking for work a couple of weeks ago and phoned and I took up the job. I’m really enjoying it,” Formosa said.
She said the Morris team would be campaigning here throughout the Winter.
“It’s going to be a good experience to take home. Who knows, I may come back and drive here again next year, or one day. I love the track at Redcliffe and the people seem to be more media friendly up this way,” Formosa said.
She said she would love to drive her 20th winner this season, and then the following year.
“I like to set myself goals. Getting to nine would be nice too, because it would beat last year’s tally, but I have to get the drives first. So that means working hard and listening and learning,” Formosa said.
Formosa had an impressive Mini Trots CV heading into her racing career.
She won the 2018 and 2019 Miracle Miles with Lumber Jack Willy, and also won the Consolation Final at the 2019 Interdominion at Auckland’s Alexandra Park.
Formosa’s Mum’s name is Kirsty, and her only sister, 16-year-old Emme isn’t interested in pursuing a racing career.
“She’s the opposite to me and didn’t get the horse-bug off Dad like I did.”
For the record Formosa’s previous win came 361 days ago behind the Michael Formosa trained Sneaky Peak at Newcastle on May 23 last year.
