Zara looking to continue 100 per cent strike rate

21 March 2024

MICHAEL DUMESNY |

IT is every fledgling driver’s dream to kick off their harness racing career as a winner.

And for 16-year-old Cawdor lass Zara Fitzpatrick that dream became a reality as within a 24-hour period she recorded back-to-back victories.
Last Thursday night at Penrith, the eldest daughter of highly-regarded couple Blake and Lisa Fitzpatrick, had her first race drive aboard the well-supported Ima Queen Bee, who came from last on the turn to cross the line in second spot.
Thrilled to have gone so close at her first attempt, Zara left the track quite content.
But in a rare twist, stewards disqualified the winner Sara Ta Sloy after determining that driver Jack Brown went inside the marker pegs, awarding the race to Fitzpatrick and Ima Queen Bee.
“I never dreamt that my first win would play out in such a way, but it was a great surprise and a massive thrill,” said Zara.
“Going into the race I felt my filly would be a sound chance with the right run.
“But my confidence was dented when I ended up being shuffled out to the tail.
“She had it all to do coming to the home turn and really motored down the outside when I asked her for an effort.
“It is a night that I will never forget, that’s for sure.
“Winning my first race on one that my dad trains certainly made it even more special.
“My family have been a great support and have taught me everything I know.”
Less than 24 hours later Zara again combined with her father to make it two from two when Debonaire was able to score in Friday night’s opening race at Newcastle.
In complete contrast, Fitzpatrick showed plenty of aggression to find the lead with the colt before running her rivals ragged.
It was a slashing performance by the three-year-old, who made it four wins from nine attempts, stopping the clock at 1:53.8 for the Newcastle mile.
Zara returns to Penrith tonight where she has four drives throughout the nine-race program and will again partner Ima Queen Bee, who is engaged in Race 6, while her other three drives are for outside stables.
“Hopefully, my early run of success can continue tonight,” she said.
“I do feel that Ima Queen Bee can go close again and my other drives have each-way chances.”

To view the Racing and Sports form for the meeting click here.