Young Taleah McMullen is heading south.
Keen to expand her knowledge of harness racing while also seeking opportunities to compete against some the best drivers in the country.
Later this month, McMullen will head to Victoria and link with highly regarded horseman Mattie Craven.
The youngest of the McMullen siblings, sister to Pete, Narissa and Danni-Elle, the enthusiastic teenager is very much looking forward in joining an in-form stable.
“I had a stint with Mattie last year and thoroughly enjoyed it while he was based with us during the winter carnival back in July so we’re pretty familiar with each other. I plan on heading south on the last Sunday of this month (27th)” McMullen said.
After recently completing high school at Lowood State High, McMullen has applied for equine courses at Gatton University but will take this year off as her gap year.
McMullen, currently 17, and will celebrate her 18th birthday in April and is looking at spending at least four to five months with Craven before returning around winter carnival time.
And Craven is looking at bringing several troops north again this year.
Last July, Craven won the Queensland Derby (Master Moonlite) and the Queensland Trotters Cup (Our Dreamlover) and therefore, picked up a trainers cash bonus after winning two of the four allocated feature events.
During her previous stint with Craven last January, McMullen tasted success at Mt Gambier when partnering the trotter Mister Gunsen.
When successful, they created a new track record which still stands to this day.
McMullen is driving in-form this current term and has visited the winners circle on 15 occasions with her latest success coming on Wednesday night at Redcliffe when successful behind Swaffham Water, trained by her dad John.
She has now driven 39 career winners after taking her maiden drive back on April 25, 2017.
Working at the family property at Glamorganvale, west of Brisbane, McMullen has enjoyed good success with the likes of Midnight Bender, Guts and Rowdys Ace this season while devoting countless hours to all three of the handy types.
Back on December 29, McMullen scored at runaway victory with Midnight Bender in the Marburg to Albion Park Final in a time of 1:56.5.
“He’s a favourite of mine and that was so great winning that event, he’s got a few little issues and I work with him all the time.
“I’m hoping to take him to Victoria with me and race him down there because he’s in really good form and deserves the trip; I think he’s capable of paying his way down there on the country circuit.”
McMullen is looking to add to her tally this weekend with a number of drives at Albion Park including Midnight Bender tomorrow (Saturday) night.
Midnight Bender starts in race two, the Mr Feelgood @ Egmont Park Stud Pace but most overcome gate 9.
Chris Barsby | RQ Web News | January 11 | Photo supplied