Debut win an omen for history-making driver

It shouldn’t be a surprise to harness racer Sam Ottley that she’s a finalist for New Zealand Rural Sportswoman of the Year.

Having surpassed Nicky Chilcott as the country’s most successful female driver, and becoming the first New Zealand woman to drive 700 winning horses within the same year, she’s worthy of the accolade.

But it came as a “big shock” to Ottley, unbeknown that she had even been nominated, because horse racing is just another humble day in the office.

“It’s my job, my day-to-day, what I enjoy and love doing,” she said.

In an omen of sorts of what was to come during her historic racing career, the 32-year-old won her first race day drive on her 18th birthday.

“On your first race drive, you just hope to get around in one piece and be safe, really, so then to win it, you only dream of stuff like that happening,” she said.

Ottley, originally from Geraldine, moved to Christchurch two years later, where she now works in a harness racing stable with nearly 50 horses for former national and world champion driver Mark Jones, in Burnham.

Last June, she made history when she piloted Takemybreathaway to victory at Addington Raceway. It marked her 678th career triumph, surpassing her North Island counterpart Chilcott’s record as the country’s most successful female driver.

Then in December, Ottley became the first New Zealand woman to reach 700 wins, driving Holly Highlander to triumph at Methven Racecourse.

The magnitude of the achievement did not sunk in until after the race, when people began congratulating her, she said. “I think sometimes myself that 700 drives is a lot, but they were winners, so it’s pretty cool.”

Confidence, knowing your competition, and the ability to read a race – like judging the speed and tempo, and knowing when to make a move – were key, she said.

“It’s a real passion. I love the horse, love the winning feeling, and love the enjoyment owners and trainers get out of winning.

“Even working with a young horse from day dot ... and seeing them go right through from babies to racehorses – that win is pretty cool, too.”

It’s Ottley’s goal to be ranked in the New Zealand top 10 drivers overall each season, which she has achieved consistently for several years.

She said she got a “real kick” out of mentoring young drivers, and that without the support she’d received, she “wouldn't have been where I am today”.

Ottley now has 720 wins under her belt, and is ranked the third most successful driver overall for the current season, which is two months in.

The 2024 Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Sports Awards take place on March 8 in Palmerston North.