Hayden engineers first win for his Dad

Bruce Stewart Contributor

“Yeah, pretty awesome mate. I’ve got a lot to say but I can’t find the words for it to be fair,” Hayden Douglas said after winning his first race at the Invercargill Harness Racing Clubs meeting at Ascot Park today.

However it didn’t take long for the first season junior driver to gather his thoughts.

“That was fantastic and to do it for the old man and with a horse like Magic Sign (Terror To Love) who’s been a big part of our stable for the past three years or so, and his great group of owners. They’re normally used to Blair Orange so it’s pretty big boots to fill but we got the job done.”

Magic Sign and Hayden Douglas winning at Ascot Park (Bruce Stewart Photo)

Douglas who’s had only six race day drives works full-time as a contract engineer for Fulton Hogan and is still completing his study.

“I just fit in the racing round that. I’m not sure whether they know I’m here today, but they will now (laughter).”

Magic Sign back to the birdcage with his winning driver (Bruce Stewart Photo)

Hayden’s father Jeremy Douglas runs a stable at Ascot Park and is a farrier, so Hayden has been around horses all his life.

“We grew up around horses in Oamaru. As I’ve got into my adulthood, Dad has really ramped up his numbers and as soon as he got me down here and involved I fell in love with it again. To have the flexibility to get away from my job and get down here is just awesome.”

The win was Magic Sign’s seventh for the Setarip Syndicate.

Magic Sign with winning connections (Bruce Stewart Photo)

And if you believe that the stars aligned today-how about this!

It was the trainers 441^st starter, 44^th winner and Magic Sign worn saddle cloth number 4. Hayden’s got 4 in his email address and 4 in his home address. What more do you need?

Magic Sign getting the wash down and the 'Douglas Dance' (Bruce Stewart Photo)