TALENTED Victorian-based reinswoman Jaimie-Lee King was hoping to create more driving opportunities by performing well in the Bullock Consulting Youngbloods Series in Tasmania this week but not even in her wildest dreams did she consider what transpired in the first two rounds of heats in Hobart and Devonport.
King won three of the first four heats to take what looks to be an unbeatable lead into the last two heats in Launceston next Sunday night.
She partnered the Eric Jacobson-trained Dusty Kaleena to won the opening heat in Hobart last Sunday night to earn maximum points (12) and while she didn’t have a drive in the second heat she earned six points that is granted to any driver who fails to acquire a drive in a heat.
But she dominated at Devonport last night winning both heats to take her points tally to 42 and 13 clear of her nearest rival James Johnson.
The Youngbloods series is open only to drivers who are under 23 at the start of the racing season.
While she lives and works in Victoria, King is a Tasmanian and she drove in the state for about three months earlier in the season, during which time she amassed enough wins (3) and placings to be listed in the top 10 drivers in the required age group.
Her drive aboard Dusty Kaleena to win the opening heat in Hobart was outstanding but her ability was showcased even more in getting Wattle Park to the line a winner in the second heat at Devonport last night.
King, 20, has been working for Victorian harness trainer Michael Watt for the past three years but her interest in horses began with Tasmania’s leading thoroughbred training combination of David and Scott Brunton for who King rode trackwork while she was still at school.
Youngbloods Series points score after four heats.
42 – Jamie-Lee King.
29 – James Johnson.
27 – Nicholas Brockman, Justin Howlett.
26 – Lyarna Graham.
25 – Alex Ashwood.
24 – Todd Rattray.
21 – Dylan Ford, Bradley Wise.
19 – Braydon Withers.
Listen to what Jamie-Lee King had to say about her Youngblood wins and how she became involved in harness racing – click here.