By Duane Ranger (Courtesy of Redcliffe Paceway)
Promising Redcliffe reinsman, Bryse McElhinney, has driven his first two Queensland winners – both at Redcliffe Paceway – last Wednesday and last night (Sunday).
The 21-year-old Penrith native, who only arrived in Moreton Bay the end of May, is working for Lachie Manzelmann. He lives on Redcliffe’s most famous road – Knight Street, just adjacent to ‘The Triangle’.
“I was pretty happy when I won on Wednesday behind my parents’ horse, and then to win tonight (Sunday) was the icing on the cake. I’m just so grateful to my parents and Lachie for allowing me to live my dream.
“I’ve been in the gig since I was five and this is all I want to do. I really enjoy training and driving at Redcliffe. It’s a really nice track,” McElhinney said.
Wednesday’s 1.9 metre victory came behind the Manzelmann trained Rock Supreme. They drew one, sat in the trail and then sprinted away to win easily. The 3-year-old Pet Rock gelding is owned by David and Tracie McElhinney.
“They let me bring the horse up with me and I’m just so pleased he got his first win after five starts (two placings) all at Redcliffe.
“Mum and Dad have been so good to me over the years. They supported me heaps when I did the Mini Trotters and they are doing the same again. I’m just so grateful,” McElhinney said.
“Dad is one of four brothers involved in racing. His brother Glenn is a top driver back home. I’m actually hoping to bring his trotter Valley Ess Jay up here to race, and hopefully some from my other relation down there is Tiarn Sutton. She is also a well respected trainer and driver,” he added.
Last night’s drive behind the Rob Gorman trained Mister Decorum was one of the most convincing NR30-42 victories seen at Redcliffe Paceway for many years.
The Mach Three gelding drew five, was balanced early and then McElhinney shot him around to the lead going down the back straight the first time.
That move proved the winning of the race. The 7-year-old bay gapped his his eight opponents who never looked like hauling him in. In fact, the whopping 27.2 metre winning margin got wider the further they went.
“Rob told me he liked to bowl along in front and if I got there, he told me to let him do exactly that. I just sat there and he did the rest. I couldn’t believe how easily he won it. To be fair I thought he was going to stop on the turn, considering the solid pace he set.”
Mister Decorum paced the 1,780 in 2:11.3 (mile rate 1:58.7). His sectionals were 29.7, 30.8, 29.2, and 30 even. It was his 13th win in 122 starts. His bank balance now sits at $66,795.
That mile rate was 4.2 seconds quicker than Rock Supreme’s winning 1,780m mobile time of 2:16 even. That was his first win in seven starts.
The Rob Gorman trained Mister Decorum was one of the most convincing NR30-42 victories seen at Redcliffe Paceway for many years.
The Mach Three gelding drew five, as balanced early and then McElhinney shot him around to the lead going down the back straight the first time.
That move proved the winning of the race. The 7-year-old bay gapped his field and his eight opponents never looked like hauling him in. In fact, the margin got wider the further they went, with the winning margin a whopping 27.2 metres.
“Rob told me he like to bowl along in front and if I got there, he told me to let him do exactly that. He gave me the confidence to drive him like that. I just sat there and let him roll along. I couldn’t believe how easily he won it. To be fair I thought he was going to stop on the turn, considering the pace he set.”
Mister Decorum paced the 1,780 in 2:11.3 (mile rate 1:58.7). His sectionals were 29.7, 30.8, 29.2, and 30 even. It was his 13th win in 122 starts. His bank balance sits at $66,795.
That mile rate was 4.2 seconds quicker than Rock Supreme’s winning 1,780m mobile time of 2:16 even. That was his first win in seven starts.
McElhinney has been driving since 2016 and has now reined seven career winners. His first salute came via the Sutton trained The Next Star at Newcastle on October 26, 2016.
When he left Colyton High School he worked for Paul Fitzpatrick in Sydney, and then his son Blake, before joining forces with Manzelmann.
“It’s all I’ve wanted to do really. It got in my blood early and now I’m following a family tradition. I’d known Lachie from down south and I’m really loving working for him and living so close to the track,” said McElhinney.
A former Miracle Mile winner behind little Fire Blaze in the Mini Trots, McElhinney said he really wanted to launch his driving career in Queensland.
“I love it here, especially the warmer climate. I just hope I can go on with it this week,” he said.
McElhanney’s next drive will be behind Rock Supreme at Redcliffe Paceway on Wednesday night. They have drawn five in the nine-horse field. Race start: 7.20pm.
Meanwhile, Redcliffe Paceway president, Bernie Ring, said the Club was delighted with McElhinney’s two wins. He said the club was also proud to hold its NAIDOC meetings this week, starting with last night’s cultural opening and Aboriginal smoking ceremony.
“It was the second year we have done this. There was some amazing art work in the restaurant. It was well organised by Racing Queensland staff – Kiaan Holland, Steph Bellmonte.
“A good win by First String and Leonard Cain in the opening event was a great way to start NAIDOC week at Redcliffe. Health Minister and Local MP, Yvette Dath, was also on-course with Racing Queensland, CEO Brendan Parnell,” Ring said.
For the record……NAIDOC Week is an Australian observance lasting from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday. The acronym NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. It has its roots in the 1938 Day of Mourning, becoming a week-long event in 1975.
