Win crowns amputee’s race career
Amputee Margaret Mcauley drove her first winner to the delight of many at Invercargill’s Ascot Park on Saturday.
She gave stable runner My Crown Jewel a perfect trip in the trail before driving her to the lead near the finish of the handicap trot.
Mcauley had her right leg amputated just above the knee in 2003 after her quadbike and a ute were involved in an accident on a back road in Thornbury.
‘‘I was unconscious for a month,’’ Mcauley said.
After being released from hospital, she moved from Thornbury to Otautau to be closer to relatives who helped with her recuperation.
Harness racing is Mcauley’s passion and with her artificial limb, she can train and drive her small team. Supporters came from all over Ascot Park to congratulate her on Saturday.
The support from the racing industry since her accident had been overwhelming.
‘‘They’ve been tremendous. There’s a lot of good people in racing,’’ she said.
Mcauley bred My Crown Jewel, who is a five-year-old halfsister to her former open-class trotter Gold (16 wins). Mcauley prepared Gold for his first four wins before gaining another six wins with the gelding from the North Canterbury stable of David and Catherine Butt.
In late 2004, Gold joined Nicky Chilcott’s Cambridge team and went on to win another six races.
Meanwhile, Andrew Armour posted his 200th driving win at the Invercargill meeting.
He won with Artfilly, who was having her first start for Invercargill trainer Murray Brown. Armour began working for Brown 71⁄ years ago after being employed by former Kaiapoi horseman Brent Lilley.