By Duane Ranger (courtesy of Redcliffe Paceway)
Leonard Cain’s first ‘four-win-bag’ at Redcliffe Paceway last Wednesday evening (February) 21 is the result of endless hours of work the 24-year-old puts in when he’s not at the racetrack or working at Shane Graham’s Birnam stables.
In fact, the Logan Village-based 24-year-old puts his personal best season of 125 wins ($1.03 million) last year down to the endless study in puts in when he’s not driving.
“I consider studying the form, and watching all the trials and race replays almost as important as driving in the actual race. It’s something I’ve done a lot more of as my career has developed. In this game you have to try and take every advantage you can. Winning can come down to millimeters.
“When possible I like to go to the driver’s room straight after the race and watch it again. Then I’ll do the same the next day, and throughout the week. There’s only three regular tracks in Queensland and I know every metre and almost every horse and driver that goes around several times a week,” Cain said.
“Every race and every horse are unique and never the same.. I need to know everything I can about the race before I go out. I like to see how they hit the line,” he stressed.
That was obvious following Wednesday’s 10-race card.
Cain’s first quadruple at Redcliffe Paceway came via the Gail Geeson trained Candykane in race three; the Vic Frost trained Vodka En Ice in race five; the Riley Butt trained Pretty Little Liar in race nine; and the Peter Greig trained Happy Snap in race 10.
Those victories can been seen here thanks to DAN COSTELLO…
“It was a great feeling to head back to Logan Village that night knowing my homework had paid off. I’ve won four races at a meeting twice previously – both at Albion Park, but this one is special, because Redcliffe is a unique track, and some horses go better there,” Cain said.
Only one of Cain’s four winners was expected to triumph. Candykane was the $12 sixth favourite; Vodka En Ice the $8 fourth favourite (Vodka En Ice); Pretty Little Liar, the $2.20 favourite; and Happy Snap was the $13 fifth favourite.
Now in his eighth season, Cain has got better with each year. His driving statistics endorse that.
Since the 2019-2020 season, Cain has won 86, 102, 110, and 125 winners each year. In 2024 he has saluted the judge 23 times from 186 starters ($147,824).
“It was really satisfying to get 125 winners last year ($1,03m). That was the third time in a row that I’ve reached 100. Two hundred would be nice. I’d be ecstatic if I could achieve that, and I know I can if I keep improving and working hard both on and off the track.
“That elusive Group One would also be nice,” said Cain has driven 629 winners and 1,258 placings from 6,102 starts ($4.9m) since the 2016-2017 season.
Cain’s maiden Group One win seems just around the corner, but he has nailed two Group Twos, five Group Threes, and Three Listed Classic events.
His two major Group Twos came via the Craig Cross trained, Cruz, in the 2020 Queensland Cup; and the Shane Graham trained Mach Da Vinci in the same race two years later.
“I owe a lot to Shane. He has basically shaped my career. I used to work for him when I was at school, and in the weekends and school holidays as well. And now I’m still working for him learning a heap. Then I left school and started working for him. Shane and Kelli (Dawson) have given me so many opportunities,” Trinity College (Beenleigh)-educated Cain said.
“Dad (Errol) also taught me a heap. In fact, there have been so many horsemen who have taught me little things over the years, which I’ve never forgotten – and I’m grateful to each and every one of them for every drive I’m give,” he added.
Cain is married to Bethany, who is a nurse. Asked if there was a chance of a little one soon, Cain replied:
“One day, but for now we just want to concentrate on our work and lay a solid foundation,” said Cain.
Cain can be seen driving at Albion Park today (Tuesday February 27), where he will look to increase his season tally of 23 with steers in the first five races.
Leonard Cain’s four Redcliffe Paceway victories last Wednesday evening (February 21) (top to bottom) – the Gail Geeson trained Candykane in race three; the Vic Frost trained Vodka En Ice in race five; the Riley Butt trained Pretty Little Liar in race nine; and the Peter Greig trained Happy Snap in race 10.
Race 3:
Race 5:
Race 9:
Race 10:
