McElhinney's 1500

2 August 2021

WHEN someone reaches a milestone in their career it is usually met with a great deal of satisfaction.

But for evergreen Sydney reinsman Glenn McElhinney, it was just another day at the office.

On Saturday night at Tabcorp Park Menangle, McElhinney brought up 1500 winners as a driver, combining with trainer Harry Martin to win board Double Encounter.

“I was aware that I was close to the milestone, but I was not all that focused on it,” said McElhinney.

“But when Menangle Racing Manager David Wonson came up to the fence after the race and yelled out and congratulated me, it really started to sink in that I had achieved something pretty special.”

McElhinney has stood the test of time and has always been rated among the best divers in New South Wales for most of the past four decades.

“I began driving in the 1977-78 season and landed my first winner at just my fourth race drive at Maitland on January 28, 1978, on a horse trained by Rod Vernon who I was working for at the time,” said the ace reinsman.

“The horse’s name was Love A Dollar, and it is where it all started for me.

“I have had great support from some really good trainers and loyal owners over the years, but it would be hard for me to name them all and I would not want to miss anyone.

“I also have my family to thank as they have given me great support and continue to do so.

“I have driven some lovely horses along the way and when I reflect, I have to admit it has been a wonderful ride.”

McElhinney has won plenty of races at Newcastle, but he will not be at the International Paceway this afternoon due to the current Covid-19 restrictions.

Prominent Hunter Valley trainer Clayton Harmey is one who will be there, and he has a few winning chances on the eight-race program.

His first chance comes up in the opening event when lightly-raced gelding Skyfall Andy will be looking to break his maiden status at his fourth race start.

He went for a spell after doing it all wrong at Newcastle in November last year, but since resuming has finished second at both his recent runs in July.

Harmey’s other short-priced favourite is Miss Verstappen in Race 7 and despite drawing wide, should be hard to hold out.