Harness passion pays off for Jude McLachlan

By Jordan Gerrans

Jude McLachlan has been an enthusiastic horsewoman for decades and later in life she has added harness racing to her passions. 

Now 60 years of age, the Buccan-based McLachlan recalls working as a jillaroo on stations as a teenager. 

She has always had a deep interest in horses. 

Over the last few years, she has developed a keen attraction for the harness racing code through her association with participants Gary Bond (driver), Gary Gerrard (trainer) and Murray Thomas (trainer).

McLachlan took out her own training licence last year and after 21 prior career starters, she produced her maiden victory on Thursday afternoon at Albion Park. 

“He's got a fair bit tenaciousness about him, the horse,” the hobby trainer said of Whykikamoocow.

“He definitely was knocking on the door to win a race after going close recently. It was great to see him win.

“It was good, I didn't really expect him to win from where he drew but it was a master drive from Gary Bond.”

As McLachlan notes, it was an inch-perfect drive from Bond to lead Whykikamoocow to victory.

The bay gelding started from the one spot on the second row and Bond was forced to bide his time back in the field for much of the 1660 metre journey.

The 53-year-old reinsman took Whykikamoocow wide around the final bend at Albion Park and the four-year-old finished over the top of the field to land the winning margin by a neck.

The son of Changeover has only been prepared by McLachlan in his last three starts, with two minor placings preceding Thursday’s win. 

Gerrard previously prepared the pacer.

“He went out for a spell and Gary Gerrard’s been pretty busy working, so I just took him over,” McLachlan said.

“I've been doing it for a couple of years, helping them out with their horses.

“It is just something I've become interested in, so thought I'd give it a go. I just like horses in general; I like the sport.

“It's a bit of a challenge, but I ask the other guys what to do and stuff like that and they've taught me a lot.

“We all bounce ideas off each other about what works and what doesn't.

“Murray has taught me a lot from the start.”

The only downside of McLachlan’s breakthrough victory on Thursday was that she was not able to be at the track because of work commitments.

She drives a truck for a day job and made sure she pulled over to the side of the road to watch the race and see Whykikamoocow score stylishly.

McLachlan also prepares Fly Burra who heads to Redcliffe on Friday evening over 1780 metres. 

Like Whykikamoocow, Fly Burra was previously prepared by Gerrard and has been under McLachlan’s watch in his last two starts where he has finished back in the field. 

She also trains maiden runner Tuscans Courage who has been to the races on five occasions.

McLachlan also owns Tuscans Courage.