By Duane Ranger (Courtesy of Redcliffe Paceway)
Fifteen months after arriving in the Sunshine State, Wagga Wagga born-and-educated reinswoman, Paige Bevan, is really starting to make an impact on the Queensland harness racing scene.
The gifted 19-year-old notched up her 25th career win ($132,161), and 13th this season, when she led all the way behind the Jonah Hutchinson trained Torque To The Max in race five at Redcliffe Paceway last Wednesday evening.
That 3.1 metre victory also came 14 months after Bevan drove her first Queensland winner behind the Hutchinson trained Blissfulday (October 14), also at Redcliffe.
“Blissfulday will always be special to me because I won my first ever drive behind him at Tamora on February 22, 2019. Andrew Harrington was the trainer,” Bevan said.
“I really enjoy the racing up here, and I’m grateful that Jonah has given me the opportunity to both work for him, and improve my career at the same time. This is all I’ve ever wanted to do. I’m here to stay,” she added.
Bevan and Hutchinson, who are a couple, are based at Logan Village where they work a team of seven. She has had 157 drives this season and also placed 28 times for $71,438 in purses.
“I also took out my training licence in September so I could train my favourite horse, Blissfulday. He’s placed twice since then. I absolutely love him, and I’m glad I was able to bring him with me,” Bevan said.
Bevan said she was rapt to win last Wednesday’s NR30-41 Pace for Hutchinson.
“Jonah loves that horse. He treats her like a baby. She’s his favourite. She’s a lovely 6-year-old Camelot Hall mare, who has won 11 races now. She felt real strong and the way she went I think there’s more wins for her,” Bevan said.
Torque To The Max flew the gate from barrier four and from that point she never looked like losing. The $4.80 second favourite paced the 1,780m mobile in 2:14.2 (mile rate 2:01.3). Her sectionals were 31.5, 31.7, 29.3, and 30.2.
Torque To The Max is owned by Hutchinson and was bred by Brisbane’s Ian Corazzol.
“I’m grateful for the drive because Jonah thinks she goes better because she can get hard on the bit. Like I said she felt strong on Wednesday. That’s still pretty good after 157 starts,” Bevan said.
The talented teenager said she loved driving the most, and was grateful that other trainers were starting to recognise her talent in the gig.
“I’m getting more outside drives which is really encouraging. Trainers and owners are starting to know who I am. Donny Smith has been great. I really enjoy driving his Grinfromeartoear gelding, Missinmemate,” Bevan said.
“I really love living here in Queensland. We are close to the beach. It wasn’t easy progressing in Wagga. I’m just so grateful to Jonah and my family for all the support they have given me. Hopefully, I can take a holiday back home at Christmas,” she added.
Bevan said she got the racing bug off her father (Chris) and Grandad (Claude), who raced horses.
“You could say I was born into it. I left Kildare Catholic College in Wagga after Year 10 because I loved the horses too much.
“I got a job with Bernie Kelly and stayed with him for 14 months before Jonah offered me a job up here. I moved here to find more driving opportunities and Queensland has already proven to be good for my career,” Bevan said.
Hutchinson was proud of his partner.
“Paige is a quality driver. I’m very proud of her drive on Wednesday. I think she’s a great horsewoman who has all the potential to make a quality trainer and driver,” Hutchinson said.
Footnote: Bevan’s next drive will be behind Torque To The Max again at Redcliffe Paceway this Wednesday. The duo have drawn five in the seventh race, which starts at 8.13pm.
