Late bloomer wasting no time

HE'S made a late start to his driving career, but Corey O'Donoghue has wasted little time making his way into the winners' circle.

Harbouring a passion for harness racing since childhood, O'Donoghue was told by his father - successful horseman Steve O'Donoghue - to obtain a trade before attempting to make his way within the industry.

Having become a qualified refrigeration mechanic, the 25-year-old decided it was time to "give it a crack".

"I've always wanted to follow Dad into the sport and be in harness racing," O'Donoghue said.

"The rules were to get an apprenticeship before driving as I had to have a fall back plan if things didn't quite work out.

"I have been a refrigeration mechanic for seven years and thought it was time to give it a crack."

Making his sixth racing appearance when driving at Tabcorp Park Melton yesterday, O'Donoghue broke his maiden with Jacksboy, which is co-trained by Steve and Rebecca Bartley.

Settled towards the tail of the field from the inside of the back row, Jacksboy was taken three-wide to find the lead along the back stride.

Striding clear of the pack, the son of Art Major cruised to a 22-metre victory from Caruso Star, with Luella a metre away third in 1:57.3 over 2240 metres.

"I was pretty confident with him as I was pleased with first-up run, which he took a lot out of," O'Donoghue said. "He also trialled between runs with Bec driving him and she was happy with him.

"It is a bit of a thrill to get my first win and hopefully there will be more to come."