Sport
12 August, 2021
Wins aplenty for young Paddy
THE month of August is already proving to be a bumper period for young harness trainer Paddy Lee.
THE month of August is already proving to be a bumper period for young harness trainerPaddy Lee.
The 23 year-old trained six winners from nine starts across four meetings last week in what proved to be a stunning purple patch for his emerging stable.
Jilliby Fernando started the run of wins at Cranbourne on August 1, before backing it up with another triumph at Bendigo last Thursday.
Keayang Chucky and Keayang Xena also recorded victories at Bendigo, before Elegant Jet prevailed at Ballarat last Friday.
Celtic Cash then capped off Lee’s week with victory at Melton last Saturday.
The other three runners Aldebaran Boyd, Jilliby Selwood and A Jewel In the Crown finished sixth, seventh and fourth to go alongside Lee’s victories.
The Ecklin-based trainer said his stable was revelling in its recent success.
Brother Jason drove five of the six wins, while cousin Glen Craven was in the seat for Celtic Cash’s triumph.
“It doesn’t come around very often so we’re enjoying every moment of it. It’s hard enough winning one in the space of a week, let alone six so it’s very handy,” Lee said.
“I’ve got to thank everyone here for all the work they do. They treat them like their own horse which helps along the way, especially Mum.
“I’m very thankful for the hard work they do along with the owners and the Craven Family Group as well.”
With six winners it’s often hard to pick a favourite, but the victories of “classy” three year-old colt Jilliby Fernando excited Lee the most.
“It was his second run (in the space of the week) and he was taking on the older horses but we found him at the front all the way,” he said.
“I was very pleased with him, he’s had some time off but he’s really stepped up to race the older horses.”
Two year-old Keayang Chucky and three year-old filly Keayang Xena drew mixed reactions from Lee after both recorded comfortable wins in their events.
“Keayang Chucky we got from the sales. He’s another one from Yabby Dams and has a nice pedigree and we were lucky enough to get him,” Lee said.
“He’s got a fair bit of ability and his win was good. Keayang Xena I was more surprisedwith her.
“Her first two runs had been plain but for her to fire across them and then run away from them like she did, I was really happy with her.”
Lee said the drives on Celtic Cash and Elegant Jet landed the pair their victories at Melton and Ballarat respectively.
“Celtic Cash is another horse that is improving with every run he’s having. He was making mistakes when he first came over but now he’s starting to put it all together,” he said.
“Elegant Jet got a good run and had a bit of luck in the straight. It was another really good drive, Glen was able to manoverure another horse out of the way which was really good.”
With 17 wins for the season thus far, Lee is hoping to add to his winning run on Thursday and again on Saturday.
Keayang Chucky and Keayang Xena will step out at Geelong this evening, while Aldebaran Boyd will also chase a maiden victory.
Jilliby Fernando and Elegant Jet will both contest races at Charlton today, while A Jewel In The Crown and returning pacer Jilliby Babavska will head to headquarters for events.
“With good runs, Keayang Chucky and Keayang Xena should be good winning chances,” Lee said.
“Aldebaran Boyd is still learning the caper but Jilliby Fernando and Elegant Jet should also be good winning chances.
“On Saturday night Jilliby Babavska is first up for almost two years. He had a bit of an injury set back for a long time so he’ll need two or three good runs.
“A Jewel In The Crown is improving with each run and she has a good barrier draw so hopefully she can run a good forward race as well.”