Harnessing talent-ELLIE'S ON THE RIGHT TRACK

FOR THIS TROTTING CHAMP, RACING IS A FAMILY AFFAIR

- Julie Jacobson

From the moment Ellie Barron could walk, horses have played a huge part in her life.

As she puts it, they were “just part of the furniture” when she was growing up.

And they remain so today, more than two decades after she got her first pony as a three-year-old.

Given Ellie’s pedigree, it’s not surprising the animals have been such a constant. She’s the third generation of her family to be involved in harness racing, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, father and uncles, and has just taken out two coveted awards, including being named Southland’s junior driver of the year.

Her dad Clark and uncle Ken are both part of the prestigious 1000-plus drivers’ club, another uncle, Tony, has trained more than 300 winners, and both grandfathers, Ron Barron and the late Owen Crooks, are well known in the industry.

Still, Ellie’s foray into racing – she’s considered one of the country’s leading junior drivers – wasn’t necessarily inevitable. As a youngster, she was happy doing pony club, and later moved into showjumping and eventing. An only child, she would spend weekends and holidays helping her dad, who is now an owner/trainer with a stable in the Southland community of Rakahouka.

“I never understood the kids that got to lie in at weekends or go away with their friends because I was always working!’ she says with a laugh.