It’s almost a decade since Hart, now one of Australasia’s top drivers, won in his first ride aboard Ideal Investment in Albury.
Lyons’ started her career with a win aboard the John Boserio-trained Barrett (Gambler’s delight) during the opening race at Redcliffe last night (Wednesday).
While Hart was bred for racing and raised through pony trotting, 20-year-old Lyons left a job as an apprentice barber for nearly four years when he was offered a job at the stables of Hall of Famer Vic Frost and his wife Gail Geeson.
They have almost become family in that time.
“I have them to thank for that…I wouldn’t be riding if Vic hadn’t talked me into it,” Lyons said.
“Go back further, and Vic is the reason I even work in the game. I cut his hair and he offered me a steady hand job even though I had almost nothing to do with horses.”
Geeson stood trackside for Lyon’s first victory and was overwhelmed by the reaction.
“Not only from everyone on the track, the drivers and trainers, but also from Ella and my phone turned red after the win,” she said.
“It was a fantastic moment. Kevin Seymour followed her very closely and was the first to text when she crossed the line.
“Tony (Lockett, AFL Hall of Famer) also texted. He has been following Ella’s progress closely since he met us.”
BARRETT AND ELLA LYONS REPLAY
Lyons said she never felt confident until Barrett held on and won by 6 feet.
“I kept thinking the horse on the outside was coming at me and might get me,” she said.
Lyons returns to Redcliffe today (Thursday) in the hunt for her second win on her second ride.
Her only ride at the meeting is Zac Daniels, a pacesetter she mentioned, in race seven. He was trained by Frost and Geeson.
“The pressure is really on here because Vic is going to be on the track. I have to win a race for Vic,” she said.
Through Adam Hamiltonfor Harness Racing Australia
#Ellas #dream #debut