McDowell drove the 3yr-old Still Coughin to an all-the-way win in the race for junior drivers. It was the third win for Still Coughin in as many starts McDowell (25) began race driving two years ago and he was having his 68th drive.
McDowell is employed by Ken Barron, the West Melton trainer of Still Coughin. McDowell has been with the stable for three and a-half years after two years with Andrew Garters.
Still Coughin is raced by Parr Bloodstock Ltd, operated by Eric Parr, an Ashburton accountant.
Parr has had considerable success with gallopers including Sandsweeper. He won four races with the pacer Live Basically from the Barron stable.
Live Basically was sold to the United States. Still Coughin was an $18,000 purchase at the 2007 premier yearling sale.
He is by Live Or Die and the first foal of Elle Jaccka, a Falcon Seelster mare who was a non-winner.
Junior drivers were to the fore last night with Samantha Ottley and Jordan Compain driving winners, Domination and Deja Vous.
Domination won by 10 lengths after starting from 30m. She had to work hard to reach the lead at the 600m.
Victor Trumper, who led over the last 1500m to win a maiden trot last night, is from the family of champion trotter Tussle. Victor Trumper is by Sundon out of Hurling, a half-sister by Gee Whiz to the winner, Wintersport.
Curling, the granddam of Victor Trumper, is a half-sister by Noodlum to Tussle.
