Harrison Orange has dream start at Alexandra Park

By Brigette Solomon

Harrison Orange has kicked off his driving career in the best possible fashion, winning with his first ever race day drive.

As the son of leading New Zealand driver Blair Orange and former driver Lisa Godsall, the 17-year-old clearly has natural talent, but he was surprised, and delighted, to get Ilsa's Son home in Race 5, the Franklin Vets Equine Handicap Trot for his employers Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan.

“It was all pretty surreal but pretty exciting too and I actually didn’t know if I’d won it when I crossed the line,” said Orange Jnr, “I definitely wasn’t expecting to go out and win tonight at my first drive but it was good to get my first win on one of Barry and Scott’s horses because they have been very good to me and helped me a heap.”

Starting from one on the front line, Orange stepped Ilsa’s Son away cleanly before settling into running three back on the markers. Enjoying the easy trip, Ilsa’s Son was travelling well rounding the final bend.

Unable to shift out for a run, Orange quickly corrected and steered down to the passing lane where Ilsa’s Son dug deep to win by a nose over a fast-finishing Regal Girl.

“I’ve had a heap of messages and calls to say well done which is pretty cool.”

Meanwhile a "very proud" Blair Orange watched Harrison's debut from Addington and then just 15 minutes later got back to business, reining home the Cran and Chrissie Dalgety-trained Fernetti in the Cup Week Packages On Sale Now Mobile Pace.

“We’re really proud of him, it’s a very special moment for myself, his mum Lisa, and all of the family,” said Blair Orange, “we’re really thankful to Barry and Scotty for everything they do for him up there, and hopefully it’s one of many to come for him.”

“We’re in touch most days and he gets in touch with a few other senior drivers for advice but he’s got a good brain on him and he’s always loved the horses and spent a lot of time out at John and Jenna Dunn’s at Woodend when he was growing up.”

While Harrison jumpstarted his career in the best possible way, Blair's win took him to 2761 - he's the fourth most successful driver in this country ever behind Tony Herlihy, Maurice McKendry and Ricky May.

While the Oranges will be re-living the moment for some time Sunday will see another massive moment for the family. Harrison and his dad will go head to head in Race 5, the Krystal Williams Racing Mobile Pace at Addington. Harrison will drive Poetry In Motion while Blair will link up with Black Pearl for the Dalgetys.

Harrison will also drive Ten Da Touch for Bob Butt in Race 4, the Mark Jones Thanks His Owners for their Support Pace.