Zara Fitzpatrick, one of New South Wales’ emerging talents in harness racing, aims to build on a recent milestone as she returns to Club Menangle for today’s race card. Over the weekend, Fitzpatrick secured a major victory in the $100,000 Australian Pacing Gold Final, guiding the two-year-old Swinging Queen to victory. This achievement marked a personal best for the driver, who previously recorded a top-level win in last season’s Foundation Final with Cee Cee In Paris.

The success carries added significance for Fitzpatrick, as Swinging Queen is trained by her father, Blake Fitzpatrick, with her mother, Lisa, co-owning the horse. Lisa also played a role in training and breeding Cee Cee In Paris, highlighting the family’s deep involvement in the sport. Reflecting on the win, Fitzpatrick expressed her excitement, noting the satisfaction of not only securing a prominent victory but also finishing ahead of her father, who placed second with another competitor.

At today’s event, Fitzpatrick will begin by driving Princess Du Fer in the opening race over 1,609 metres from barrier three. Also trained by Blake Fitzpatrick, Princess Du Fer enters the race on the back of a recent win and is expected to be a strong contender. “She did really well against similar company a couple of weeks ago, so I expect her to be hard to beat,” Fitzpatrick said, mentioning she had multiple drives during the afternoon but considered Princess Du Fer her best chance.

Following that, Fitzpatrick will pilot Alpha Stride, another horse under Blake Fitzpatrick’s care, in the subsequent race. The son of Captaintreacherous is making his first start since April 28, having secured two wins from his last four outings. According to Fitzpatrick, Alpha Stride has been well-prepared after a recent trial and is in good form heading into the first-up effort.

To close the day’s card, Fitzpatrick will partner Arnies Army, trained by Adrian McElhinney, in the final event. Drawn in barrier two, Arnies Army is seeking his first victory since joining McElhinney’s stable, having competed twice without a win. The son of American Ideal last recorded a win in the Narrabri Cup on April 12.

With a series of promising rides at a world-class venue, Fitzpatrick looks set to extend her recent successful streak while continuing the family’s strong involvement in harness racing.