Owen lays down the law at Redcliffe Paceway

By Duane Ranger

She might be just 26 but Casey Owen is one very astute reinswoman – probably one of the cleverest drivers going around.

The para-legal, who is just a year away from becoming a qualified lawyer, won two races at Redcliffe Paceway last night (Wednesday). The New South Wales native only had three drives.

Owen won the second event behind the Richard March trained Ultimate Ad and then half an hour later saluted the judge behind her “all-time favourite horse” - the Wayne Graham trained Spondooley.

“I don’t actually work for a stable but I try and help out Wayne as much as I can, but I’m very busy with all my legal work. I’m employed by a Tech company in Brisbane in their legal team, and I am also studying at Southern Cross University," Owen said.

“Last night was a great night out on the track. I’ve driven two doubles last season. The treble is still to come hopefully." 

The Newcastle-born horsewoman then paid a tribute to Wayne and Lynn Graham.

"I just want to thank them both very much. I owe a lot to them. They have become like family and I probably wouldn’t be driving without their support," she said.

"They train Spondooley, who is owned by Wayne’s daughter Tanya. He is by far my favourite horse. I'd be lost without him. He gives me something to look forward to every week. I'll probably be behind him again next Wednesday. He's such a sweet old horse.

"I'm so very grateful for all the trainers that give me drives. I can't thank them enough," she added.

After leaving St Mary’s High School in Casino, Owen moved to the Gold Coast and then London before returning home to study and look for work.

“Shawn Grimsey offered me a job here in Queensland, and from there I relocated to Ian Wilson’s barn in Sydney. That’s where I learnt to drive and where I got my trials licence," she said.

“I’ve combined driving with my studies and work over the years and I think I've driven about 40 winners. I love it, but law is where I’m heading. Maybe one day I can do both and have a horse or two of my own."

She vividly recalls her first winning drive behind the Wilson trained Badewitz at Tabcorp Park Menangle on May 19, 2015.

“I remember that day very clearly. I’ve always loved driving, but my studies are my main focus now. Hopefully this time next year I will be getting close to graduation. Here’s hoping," she said.

“I will stay in Brisbane because I have a good job here. My employers are really good about my driving. They give me time off when they can.".

Owen had more than two lengths to spare when winning races two and three last night.

She led from gate one with the Ultimate Ad and they cruised to a nice 2:08 (1:56.2 mile rate) victory for the 1780m mobile.

Then Owen and Spondooley drew awkwardly at seven in the third race. They settled three-deep on the markers before the passing lane opened up in the straight. They paced the 1780m mobile in 2:10.7 (mile rate 1:58.2).

It was Ultimate Ad and Spondooley's ninth and 23 wins respectively. The latter has raced a whopping 235 times.