Fourth generation Hunter Valley trainer Melanie Elder has benefitted by the grounding she has been given in harness racing, fast becoming recognised for her talent in preparing pacers.
The 28-year-old prepares her team out of her family’s establishment in Maitland and has followed in the footsteps of her great grandfather Ben, grandfather Brian and father Darren – all successful trainers.
Training alongside her partner Joe Taaffe, Elder manages a small but select team of pacers that primarily race on the provincial circuit, occasionally progressing to metropolitan racing.
Last Friday night at Newcastle, the current star of Elder’s stable, Man From Braavos (Mach Three) went ever so close to delivering her the biggest thrill in her short career when narrowly beaten by a half-head in the $100,000 TAB Regional Championships Hunter Final, beaten by Metallica Man.
Driven by Luke McCarthy, the seven-year-old had the odds against him after drawing gate 14 – the widest on the backline.
But after making a searching mid-race move, McCarthy was able to obtain the position outside the leader and put up a brave effort to just fail after doing all the bullocking work.
For Elder though, running second in such a rich race was satisfying for her, stating that she could not be prouder of her horse in the way that he never fought on so bravely all the way to the line.
“He was just so very brave,” said Elder.
“Reflecting on what he did from that terrible draw, and how much ground he had to cover makes us very proud.
“And I give so much praise to Luke for giving our bloke every chance. He is truly one of the best reinsmen in the sport and I am so fortunate to be associated with him.”
Man From Braavos’ second placing assured him a start in tomorrow night’s $100,000 State Final of the TAB Championships at Tabcorp Park Menangle and after drawing much better in gate three, the gelding gets his chance to go one better.
McCarthy will again partner Man From Braavos which further enhances his chances of winning.
“He has come through last Friday’s run really well and is the best that we could have him,” said Elder.
“I am excitedly nervous about tomorrow night’s race but am supremely confident of a good showing from him.”
For complete race entries, click here.
by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW