Father & Daughter Celebrate Milestone
19 February, 2018
Harness
The Suvaljko family certainly had plenty of reasons to celebrate after the completion of a low key meeting at Northam on Saturday night.
After a driving treble on Spock The Spaceman, Writing On The Wall and Princess Major, Shannon Suvaljko reached 1500 career wins.
The top reinsman now sits seventh on the all-time list of the state’s leading drivers which is headed by WA Hall Of Famer, Chris Lewis.
Shannon and brother Callan, who is closing in on 1200 wins, are the only siblings to have each driven in excess of 1000 winners in WA.
However, despite reaching a significant personal milestone, for Suvaljko, the highlight came earlier in the evening with daughter, Emily.
The teenager, who is a full time student at Byford Secondary College, landed a mini upset when she expertly guided Undercover Art.
It was the 17-year-old’s second sit in the sulky after making her debut on the Colin Brown-trained Erskine Range at Bunbury a week earlier.
An elated Shannon Suvaljko said his daughter’s maiden victory was a proud and emotional moment.
“I have to admit it brought a tear to my eye,” Shannon Suvaljko said.
“It certainly was the highlight of the meeting for me.
“It’s great to reach 1500 wins personally, but to be there and see your daughter’s first win was so good.
“She is pretty keen to give harness racing a go when she finishes school.
“I tried not to load her up with too much information, but I told her to enjoy the experience and let the race unfold.
“She drove the perfect race and did everything I would have expected.
“She drove to the horse’s ability.
“It all worked out perfect and made it a special night.”
Julio Santarelli