Black makes first win a family affair at Ascot Park

by Jonny Turner

Riley Black showed the poise of a veteran reinsman when posting his first win in the sulky at Ascot Park on Thursday.

The 18-year-old and Train Station swept down the outer with the junior driver wearing his father Alister's colours.

Train Station was the first horse Black had driven trained by his father and just the third horse he had sat behind in his emerging career.

That brought excitement both before and after the race, rather than any pressure or nerves.

"It was definitely a big thrill, and to do it in my first drive for Dad was pretty special."

"It is something I have dreamed about for a few years."

"Dad isn't a big one for instructions, he just said go out there and enjoy it and look after the horse."

"It is great that I can get the first win on the board, hopefully I can build up from here."

Black showed patience when he and his charge were sat last of the field on a moderate tempo.

Rather than taking off on Train Station, he elected to trust his horse's speed, which paid winning dividends.

"I was getting itchy fingers because they were getting away with it a bit up front, but I knew the horse had a good turn of foot."

"I was able to flush the horse we were following out on the bend and he got home really good."

Black is juggling his career in the sulky with working in the electrical industry in Invercargill.

With summer approaching, the 18-year-old is hoping he has more time in the mornings to work horses before heading off to work.

Black has put in plenty of work at workouts and trials in Southland, driving for a number of trainers.

The young horseman is hoping to continue to build his base of contacts as the end of the year approaches.

"I have had some great outside support around me, every outside drive I get is awesome."

"Hopefully I can build up those relationships."

"One goal I have is to drive three or four winners before the new season."

With Thursday's victory, Black won his first race at Ascot Park just as his father did.

Alister drove Shoshoni Sunrise to win at the same track just four days short of 25 years prior.