Revell Douglas’ mother Laura, father Don and sister Paula presented Leah with the trophy after she won the second annual Hygain Revell Douglas Memorial Junior Drivers Series by a point.
It’s said there’s a first time for everything – and Cambridge’s Leah Hibell experienced two at once early on Monday morning.
When she boarded a plane bound for Brisbane it was her first trip to Australia – and first international flight.
She has gone for a 10-day working holiday with renowned Australian driver Pete McMullen.
It’s an opportunity the 22-year-old harness racing junior driver has because – earlier in the year – she won the closely fought second annual Hygain Revell Douglas Memorial Junior Drivers Series.
The series is a tribute to trainer and administrator Revell Douglas, who drowned while saving children swimming at Karioitahi Beach near Waiuku in January 2021.
“It’s going to be a good learning curve, a great chance to gain some fresh perspective. I’m always keen to learn,” Leah said of visiting McMullen.
“There’s a lot he can teach me and that I can glean.”
Speaking of firsts too, Leah was a first-time series entrant this year, ultimately toppling defending champion Alicia Harrison by a single point, 48-47, after four races in the North Island – at Hawera – and one in the south, at Motukarara.
During that “pretty stressful” final South Island race, Leah did just enough to claim the series.
Speaking to The News last Friday before flying out, Leah reflected on the emotional moment Revell’s mother Laura, father Don and sister Paula presented her with the trophy after she claimed the series win.
“I know Revell was a big supporter of junior drivers and seeing them have opportunities,” Leah said.
Leah Hibell with KD Coruba while at work in Cambridge last Friday. She flew out to Brisbane early on Monday morning for a 10-day working holiday with driver Pete McMullen.
“When I met his father, Don, he gave me a big hug. It was really moving.”
Leah – who works for trainer-driver Nicky Chilcott at White Star Stables – has only been driving for a couple of years.
Yet the wheels are already in motion for what looks set to be a stellar career.
“Nicky’s given me lots of opportunities, it’s been fantastic. What I love is that no matter how many questions I ask because I’m keen to learn and grow, she’ll make time to answer them,” Leah said.
Chilcott is a top guide.
In September she achieved her 500th training win and became the first solo woman to train 500 winners in New Zealand and achieve the training and driving 500 double.
So, what’s Leah’s secret to early success?
“You’ve got to love your job and I definitely do. Nothing beats the high you get from winning a race, I reckon.”
Nicky says a key factor too is the right horse.
And, in Katies’ Princess – owned by Taranaki’s Alan and Lyn Messenger – they found the right fit for the series.
“The stars have got to align, so to speak,” a proud Chilcott said of Leah.
“Yes, she had a good horse, but we can’t take anything away from the fact Leah also drove really well.
“She’s a very hard worker, she listens, she’s eager to learn and when you put that together with her undoubted natural talent, she’s going to go a long way for sure.”
Beyond Australia, Leah’s already setting her sights high.
She wants to drive in a group race one day.
