Memorable season for Tomlinson

The move from Christchurch to Invercargill has worked out well for harness racing driver Sheree Tomlinson.

She came south 18 months ago working initially for Ascot Park trainer Wayne Adams (six weeks) before signing up with neighbouring horseman Murray Brown.

Tomlinson now drives most of Brown’s race team.

She has been race driving for two seasons and gained 30 wins and 30 seconds. Going into Thursday night’s Forbury Park meeting, Tomlinson had 21 wins for the season.

Brown and other Southland trainers had been a big help in getting her career rolling, Tomlinson, 18, said.

Before shifting, Tomlinson drove a few horses for her grandfather, West Melton trainer Ken Ford, but she knew it was going to be hard to get regular outside drives in Canterbury.

‘‘I wouldn’t have got the opportunities up there that I’m getting here,’’ she said.

The teenager makes trips back to Christchurch to drive for Ford, whose team includes Group I winning trotter Marcoola.

She is keen to drive Marcoola, but doubts it will happen in the near future.

Her uncle, Clint Ford, is partowner and driver of the Sundon 4-year-old.

‘‘Unfortunately, I can’t get Clint off Marcoola just yet,’’ said Tomlinson, whose best win came with Amaretto Sun in the New Zealand Ordeal Trotting Cup at Addington in September.

Driving a winning double for the first time at Ashburton (June 4) was a thrill for Tomlinson. Both horses, Rocknpop and Donegal Carrickfin, are trained by Ken Ford.

In July, Tomlinson will compete for the South Island in the New Zealand Junior Drivers Championship at Forbury Park and Addington.