Kate Coppins kicking goals in 2026

By Jordyn Bublitz 

At the start of the year, Kate Coppins set herself a goal of reaching 50 career wins by season's end.

Just six months later, the Waikato junior driver is already within touching distance.

Coppins heads to Alexandra Park tonight sitting on 45 career victories, fifth on the national junior drivers' premiership and third among her North Island peers.

While she always believed the milestone was achievable, she admits she didn't expect to be so close so soon.

“I definitely thought I could get it by the end of the season, but I didn't think I'd be getting this close only half way through.”

Coppins credits much of her success this season to the support around her.

“Arna's (Donnelly) support, and Michael House's support. It's been huge.”

“My biggest supporters would still have to be my family though, I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing without them. They make it all happen.”

Tonight’s Alexandra Park meeting presents another opportunity to edge closer to the milestone, with Coppins booked for three drives.

Her first comes in the opening event behind President Flynntin, trained by her grandmother Jill Coppins.

The seven-year-old trotter has shown improvement in two runs back from a spell, finishing third at his latest start.

Coppins believes there was plenty of merit in that effort.

“His first start back I didn't follow my driving instructions, I should've gone to the fence and given him a soft trip because it tends to take him a few runs to get back on point.”

“Last start was definitely an improvement, he still blew up over the back a little bit but I think he'll be on point tonight.”

President Flynntin will still need things to go his way.

“He'll definitely need some luck, he's not the best starter in the world.”

“I think if we can find a soft trip on the fence he'll be right with them at the finish.”

Coppins then teams up with Aunty Rose in the Star Personnel Junior Drivers Mobile Pace.

The mare is coming off a strong second placing and looks one of the more consistent runners in the field.

“She's a tough little horse, it's going to be hard over the 1700m with a bit of speed drawn underneath.”

“Like I said though she's really tough, so if we can find a nice spot to sit she should pick them up at the finish.”

Her final drive of the night comes behind Franco Salah in the NGS World Transport Metro Pacers Heat 2.

While his form doesn't immediately jump off the page, Coppins feels the gelding is racing better than that might suggest.

“He exceeded my expectations the last time I drove him.”

“It's going to be hard in such a big field, but if we can find a little bit of luck we should be coming into the top four.”

She is hoping a smooth passage can make all the difference.

“Hopefully we can just slot into the running line and get a drag into it.”

Of her three drives, Coppins has no hesitation identifying President Flynntin as the one she 

“He’ll never let me down.”

Regardless of what unfolds on Friday night, the 21-year-old has already put together the strongest season of her career.

“I feel very privileged to be where I'm at, we've got some really sharp juniors in the pool at the moment.”

“It's taken a lot of travelling and a lot of hard work, and it's starting to pay off which is great.”

As for the remainder of the season, the goals are simple.

“Knocking off those 50 wins for sure!”

“I just want to keep trying my best to bring in those winners. If I could hold my spot on the table and get to Junior Champs that would be huge.”