Key Takeaways
- Josh Lane will make his race day debut as a driver at Rangiora’s 11-race meeting on January 1, 2026
- Lane will drive Inquizitive Man in Race 4 and MM Sunshine in Race 10, both at double figure odds
- The 31-year-old has been preparing for his debut with around 30 trial drives, including a win with Spirit Of Atlanta
- Lane is a former greyhound trainer from Whanganui and has a background in harness racing, having co-owned a winning horse, Motu Great Sensation
- He is excited to start his driving career, but is also realistic about his chances and views his debut as a learning experience
Introduction to Josh Lane’s Debut
The New Year is set to bring new beginnings for Josh Lane, a 31-year-old from Whanganui, as he makes his race day debut as a driver at Rangiora’s 11-race meeting. Lane, who works for Robbie Holmes at his Balcairn barn in North Canterbury, has been working towards this moment for a long time. He will take the reins behind Inquizitive Man for trainer David McKenzie in Race 4, the Jack Behrns Memorial Trot, and then MM Sunshine (30m) for Holmes in Race 10, the Thank You North Canterbury Trotting Club Handicap Trot. Both horses are at double figure odds, with Inquizitive Man at $71 and MM Sunshine at $19.
Background and Preparation
Lane’s interest in harness racing is not new, having co-owned a winning horse, Motu Great Sensation, who had five wins for him and trainer-driver Brent Borcoskie around eight or nine years ago. He even drove the horse every day he could, which sparked his desire to drive on race day. In preparation for his debut, Lane has had around 30 trial drives, including a win with the Holmes-trained Spirit Of Atlanta. This experience has helped him build his confidence and skills, but he is still aware that driving on race day will be a different challenge. Lane’s background as a successful greyhound trainer has also provided him with valuable knowledge and experience, which he hopes to apply to his harness racing career.
Debut Races and Expectations
Lane’s debut races will be a test of his skills, particularly in Race 10, where he will drive MM Sunshine in a field of 15 or 16 horses. The horse is off 30 meters as the highest-rated horse, which will require Lane to navigate a challenging start. MM Sunshine has had 10 wins in her 100 starts, but Lane is realistic about his chances and knows that it will be a learning experience. He is excited to get out on the track and enjoy the occasion, but is also aware that he will face stiff competition. Lane’s goal is to learn as much as he can from his debut and use it as a stepping stone to improve his driving skills.
The Future of Josh Lane’s Driving Career
As Lane prepares to start his driving career, he is aware that this is just the beginning of a potentially long and challenging journey. He is excited to see how he will perform and whether he has what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of harness racing. With his debut just around the corner, Lane is focused on enjoying the experience and learning as much as he can. He is realistic about his chances, but is also hopeful that he can make a positive impression and set himself up for future success. As he says, "I guess I’ll know pretty soon if I’m good at this or not," which reflects his down-to-earth attitude and willingness to learn and improve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Josh Lane’s debut as a driver is a significant milestone in his career, and he is eager to get started. With his background in greyhound training and experience in harness racing, he has a solid foundation to build on. While he faces challenging races on his debut, Lane is excited to learn and improve, and is aware that this is just the beginning of his journey. As he takes to the track at Rangiora, Lane will be looking to make a positive impression and set himself up for future success in the world of harness racing. With his dedication, passion, and willingness to learn, Lane has the potential to become a successful driver, and his debut is just the start of an exciting new chapter in his career.
