From pony trots to the big time, Jordy's chasing Group 1 glory

It took Jordan Leedham 35 attempts before he finally landed his first career win aboard Shaq at Kilmore in December 2020.

The 19-year-old Leedham is mature enough to realise the “hard yards” during his apprenticeship in the sulky have played a key role in a career that now boasts more than 100 wins.

“I soon realised there was a big difference driving in races compared to the trials,” Leedham said.

“Other drivers are a lot kinder to you in trials so I had to learn the ropes in those early races, but I didn’t mind because I just loved going around.”

Yet another emerging talent from a non-harness racing background, Leedham took the opportunity to participate in pony trots after his family relocated to Victoria from Tasmania eight years ago.

“I got to know a few people who did the pony trots and I was keen to give it a go,” he said.

“I loved it from day one and never got sick of it, so Mum and Dad finally came around and let me leave school in year 10 to work full time at Kate Hargreaves’ stable.”

Two years ago, Leedham gained a lucky break when he was offered a job at Kate and Andy Gath’s Long Forest operation on the outskirts of Bacchus Marsh.

“I used to come down to Andy and Kate’s place on school holidays with Connor Clarke, and when Alex Ashwood left, they offered me a job,” he said.

Leedham will be looking to increase his tally of six metropolitan wins when he takes the reins behind the Gath-trained Thunder Wings in the Group 1 Australasian Premier Trotting Sale (3YO Fillies) Final and Sanday in the Group 3 TAB Melton Pace Final.

However, it’s the Wayne Potter-trained Allshookup whom Leedham rates as his best chance of success at the meeting.

“I’ve driven him a few times and won three races on him, and if he gets a bit of luck on Saturday night from the second row he’s probably my best drive,” he said.