Amy Rees
I was so excited, when I went past the post I looked over at them and they were cheering and jumping.”
Erika Dwyer
They say it’s what’s on the inside that counts.
This proceeded to be true at Bathurst last week, when pacer The Handsome One proved to be just as handsome on the inside, after doing his best and providing Erika Dwyer with her first driving win.
With a history of not being on his best behaviour, along with the added pressure of a false start, the winning result was extra exciting for 22-year-old Dwyer.
“When we had the false start I got a bit worried because he can pull,” the young reinswoman said.
“I just let his head touch the mobile and he relaxed and I knew then we might be in for a shot.”
Beginning from barrier one, The Handsome One landed three-back along the fence after getting away safely but steadily.
Running into some trouble down the back straight, when locking wheels with another runner, the gelding lost a large amount of ground and looked to be out of play.
However, Dwyer had other ideas, unlocking wheels and urging The Handsome One on and into clear running.
“I didn’t think we would get clear but when we did and he started motoring I knew we had them covered and I got excited coming down the straight,” she said.
As she passed the finishing post in first place and celebrated with a quick salute, Dwyer looked up to see her parents overwhelmed with excitement.
“I was so excited, when I went past the finishing post I looked over at them (her parents) and they were cheering and jumping.”
Growing up in the sport, Dwyer was bitten by the bug early – like most – and there was never any doubt that she would always have some involvement with the Harness Racing Industry.
Currently working as a relief teacher, the junior driver enjoys helping her dad train their small team of horses and hopes to get a lot of enjoyment out of the industry in the future.
“Growing up my brothers and I always helped out where we could but they lost interest over time and mine got stronger,” Dwyer said.
“I’d like to just keep driving for dad and eventually get my own trainers licence and go from there.”
