by Duane Ranger (courtesy of Redcliffe Paceway)
Gold Coast horseman, Brent Livingstone, has broken a 12-year-two-month driving drought.
The 37-year-old Mudgeeraba communications businessman, drove the Debra Belford-trained Emmaleen to win race eight at Redcliffe Paceway last Wednesday (March 7). That victory came more than 4.400 days (146 months) since his last winner.
“That last win was so long ago I can’t even remember the horse’s name, but I do recall it was at Albion Park in January 2012. The records don’t go back that far and I can’t find the winning photo. It’s just great to be back in the winner’s circle again. I want to thank Debra for the chance to get back in the sulky again. We have been friends with the family for many years and it’s just so rewarding to win for them all.
“I’ve never lost the itch. I’ve kept a close eye on the harness racing over the years, and always thought I would get back into it one day. It’s tough now that I run my own business, and I’ve had to turn down a few drives, but I want people to know I am available to drive for them. I just need two–or-three-days’ notice,” Livingstone said.
“I left the industry not long after EI (Equine Influenza) hit and started my own business,” said the 191-win driver, who operates his own Empire Phone company in Queensland.
However, the Livingstone name could be back in harness racing news as was the case 20 years ago when he and his ‘mentor’ father, and ‘king-of-the-claimers’ John, were winning many races together.
“Dad and I were actually looking for boxes to rent at the proposed Norwell track, but now that that proposal is uncertain we are looking at Albion Park. Dad trained a lot of ‘claiming winners’ over the years and I really enjoyed driving for him.
“My twin brother, Clinton, who is based on the Sunshine, was a standardbred owner, who has horses with Jason Grimson. Hopefully he might add a couple of horses to our stable one day,” Livingstone said.
He said now that he has got that winning feeling back again, he wants to salute the judge again, and again.
“Driving and working in the stable was a part of my life I want to get back. I grew up around horses and Dad taught me early the early ground-work. There’s nothing like driving a winner, especially for family and friends,” Livingstone said.
His second drive back in more than a decade on Wednesday was a pearler! It was like Livingstone had never been away.
He and Emmaleen drew eight and sat in the one-one position throughout. That was until Livingstone asked the 5-year-old brown mare for an effort at the 400m.
The daughter of Guaranteed and Jenzajet (Jenna’s Beach Boy), sprinted away from them, before holding on to win the 2,040m NR43-47 Mobile by a head. Mile rate: 2:00.1.
That was Emmaleen’s fourth career win in 36 starts for owner/breeder/trainer, Belford. She’s also placed 13 times and so far bagged $27,412 in stakes.
“Like I said it would never have happened had Dean not handed over the reins. He had been driving her well. I think I would have won first-start back but the horse in front of us galloped and we finished down the field
“Dad and the Belfords go back many decades so the win had a bit of history. It’s also good to win for the Belford family, and Mark too, who does a brilliant job as the track curator,” Said Livingstone.
Tweed Heads-born and Marsden State High School-educated Livingstone is no stranger to winning and driving standardbreds. The 2006 Botra Junior Driving Champion has had 1.833 drives since the 2003 season, and as well as his 191 winners, he’s also placed 366 times and banked $713,086. His best season came in 2006-2007 when he reined 52 winners ($199,589).
Livingstone’s first win was at Rocklea on October 16 behind a Simon Burrows-trained pacer named Springvale Lad.
“I learnt everything from Dad. I’m still following in his footsteps. He was known to turn ants into elephants. He had stables on course at Tweed Heads and was the Border Park leading trainer for several consecutive seasons. Then we had 45 horses in work at Logan Reserve at one time – and half of them were racing weekly.
“I got out of the game when I felt the time was right. EI (Equine Influenza) played a big part in my decision-making, but I learnt a lot from other trainers after I left Dad’s stable. I also got to sit behind some nice horses,” Livingstone said.
Did he what! Pacing giants like Sokyola, Sir Galvinator, and Smoken Up come to mind.
“I got to work in some nice stables before I left the industry. Grant and Bill Dixon, Michael Doltoff, and Lance Justice all taught me a lot as well, and I’m glad I travelled south to get experience. The itch has gone on for too long and I’m now just wanting more.
“I’ve had so many words of welcome back and encouragement from many people. A message from good friend, David Fowler, was special. David has always been a strong supporter of myself and Dad. His message read:
“Just want to congratulate you on your comeback win on Thursday. I don’t know what you have been up to, but you have lost none of your ability and vigor. I hope there’s plenty more wins ahead. Cheers, David.”
Livingstone is one of three children to Labrador-based John and the late Michelle. As well as twin brother Clinton, he also has a younger sister named, Eleasha. His partner is Sarah Denny.
Livingstone’s next drive(s) are likely to be next week.
