Liam Elliott as a youngster in pony trots. Photo Credit- Photography by Jodie Hallows
Liam Elliott is our newest reinsperson off the ranks, with the 17-year-old making his debut last Sunday at Northam on board American Voodoo.
Keeping it local, Elliott got the steer on board the Marynnn White trained 11-year-old, with the pair finishing in 6th place at Kellerberrin, the final meeting for the season.
Elliott completed his trials in recent weeks, and with the harness racing bug running deep in his bloodlines, there was never any doubt that young Liam would eventually make his way out on the official racetrack.
“Anytime I watch a Group 1 /Grand Circuit race, I want to be out there fighting to the finish,
“It’s the highest you can get, and I want to be the best I can.” Elliott said
Starting in pony trots at 8-years-old, the driving dream has been alive for the past 9 years, with Elliott determined this is what he wanted to do.
“Aiden (De Campo), Dyl (Dylan Egerton-Green) and Colin (Brown) have always been big supporters of mine and they are the main reasons I am where I am today,
“I often drive a lot of track work for Mike Williams and Jesse Moore, and they help me out a fair bit, as well as mum,
“She’s probably one of my harshest critics, other than myself, and she’s not afraid to tell me how it is and why did I do this instead of that and what not.”
Trent Wheeler has also been a great help to Elliott and his quest to becoming a reinsman, with the country specialist said to be a big help on the track, but even more so off the track.
Confirming that he wasn’t at all nervous for his debut, but in fact “Excited as all sh*t”, Elliott will be back in the cart next Tuesday at Northam with a drive in race 1 for his grandfather Tom Elliott, with Liam driving three trials on the four-year-old in recent times. A
Elliott also takes the drive on the Phil Duggan trained Hi Tommy, who lines up from barrier 7 in race 4 on the card, starting off the 10m handicap in the 2150m standing start.
When asked who the best horse he’s witnessed, Elliott mentioned that although he always thought it was Im Themightyquinn, he’s sure it won’t be long, and it will be WA sensation in Never Ending.
A Group 1 is the ultimate dream for young Liam Elliott, but for now, he will be happy to just win one.
Liam Elliott and American Voodoo at Kellerberrin
Ashleigh Paikos