Panella chasing her biggest win yet

17 May 2024

GRACE Panella is regarded as one of the most talented drivers throughout the Hunter Valley and north-west regions of New South Wales.

In just five seasons of driving, the Newcastle reinswoman has clocked up a significant career milestone of 200 wins in the gig.

Panella now trains a small team of pacers herself at Pokolbin, assisted by her partner Blake Hughes, who is also an accomplished reinsman and just one away from claiming his 400^th winner.

Tonight at Newcastle, Panella will prepare for her biggest assignment as a trainer-driver when her stable star Major Mickey contests the $100,000 TAB Hunter Regional Championship Final.

The gelding ran a solid second-placing in his qualifying heat a fortnight ago behind one of the series favourites Man From Braavos, rushing home late along the pegs, only to be beaten by a half-length in a 1:56.4 mile rate for the 2030m journey.

Disappointingly for Panella and connections, the barrier draw has not played favourably for Major Mickey, who will start from the outside of the backline in the 12-horse field.

“To be honest, I was shattered when I learned where we drew,” said Panella.

“But I am staying optimistic that we can still be in the mix as I could not have him in any better order heading into tonight’s race.

“From the time he came into our stable midway through last year he has been ever-so consistent.

“And he did not let us down in his heat run as he tried his heart out all the way to the line after spotting the winner a healthy start at the top of the home straight.

“I am well aware that we have the task ahead of us from the poor draw, but I am hoping that the two favourites that have drawn in gates one and two go hard early to give the sweepers from the back some chance.

“Whatever the result, it is truly a great thrill to have my own horse in a big final like this, especially so early in my training career.”

The Geoff Harding-trained Craftmans Charlie is likely start as favourite for the final after his dominant performance when winning his heat.

Harding is chasing his second Hunter final after taking out the 2021 edition with The Choreographer when driven by gun reinsman Robbie Morris.