Hannah Van dongen, in just her second season of driving, leads the State Female Drivers Premiership table with two meetings of the 2017/18 season remaining.
Hannah burst two wins clear at the top of the table with an outstanding performance aboard the Ken Rattray-trained El Jays Monet in the Jillian Robins Pace over 2200-metres on Friday night in Launceston.
El Jays Monet (pictured) drew barrier 10 on the second line but the 22-year-old had hatched a plan to overcome the tricky draw.
“I thought Pushkin would go for the lead so I decided to drive El Jays Monet ($3.90 fav) out hard on its back and we were fortunate enough to lob in the one out one back position,” said Hannah playing down her role.
“We finished up three back in the running line and he was travelling strongly at the 800-metre mark so I made my move out three-wide, he made good ground to the home turn and when I went for him at the top of the stretch he sprinted quickly and surged clear to win convincingly (9.2-metres).”
Hannah drove four winners in her first season and her victory with El Jays Monet took her tally for the 2017/18 season to 10, two clear of Natalee Emery and Samantha Gangell.
“It’s been my ambition to win the premiership and a real focus for me this year so hopefully I can hang on,” said Hannah.
“I have gained more drives this season, Ben Yole has been wonderful to me giving a number of really good opportunities.”
Hannah has also ventured into harness racing ownership and tasted success on Friday with Art Frenzy scoring its first win at just it’s fourth career start.
“My dad Craig trains him for me, I bought him to drive myself but he’s been a real handful, he went through the fence at Carrick and broke dad’s ribs,” said Hannah.
“He has a mind of his own but he has the ability to win more races, I just hope he calms down a little in time so I can get to drive him.”
The talented and versatile young horseperson works five days a week for leading thoroughbred trainer Barry Campbell as a trackwork rider and has an eye on one day hopping into the pigskin on race day.
“I’ve learned so much from working for Barry, his knowledge, experience and encouragement has been invaluable,” said a grateful young lady.
“I just love being around horses, so I’d like to both drive and ride in the future, it would be the best of both worlds for me.”
Watch Hannah turn in a sensational drive on El Jays Monet on Friday night in Launceston: