Nikita Burton claims first driving win

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

As first wins go Nikita Burton's was about as easy as they get.

"It was such a thrill," the 18-year-old said after Seaside Rose cruised to victory in yesterday's Placemakers Mobile Pace at Oamaru. 

Driving for her employers Steve and Amanda Telfer, Burton went forward with the four-year-old mare to sit parked. The combo stayed there throughout before clearing out to a two length win, ahead of fast finishing Classie Linc.

"This is a performance," said commentator Craig Rail, "without cover over 2600 metres she jogs in."

"It's hard to describe the feeling," says Burton, "but I looked around (at the finish) and there was no-one there."

It was the mare's fifth win in 26 starts and Burton's first in 12 race day drives. It was Seaside Rose's southern debut after racing previously at Alexandra Park, Cambridge and Hawera. 

"I'd only driven her once in work, she only arrived here nine days ago," says Burton. 

Burton's always been around horses and racing, with her father Neil being a long-time hobby trainer and driver from Mid Canterbury. She got a full time job at Stonewall just over a year ago after working there during the holidays.

Before her breakthrough win her previous best finishes were two seconds with Ultimate Counsel.

Since the win the teenager's had many messages from well-wishers.

"There have been lots of them ... everyone's been very supportive."

"I just want to thank Mandy and Steve (Telfer) for putting me on and trusting me, I can't thank them enough."