Leigh Sutton aiming to start year on a high

14 January 2012 - Harness racing reinsman Leigh Sutton always thought he’d share the thrill of his first drive in his hometown cup with fiancee Tiffany Murray.That dream was taken away from him in October when 22-year-old Tiffany passed away after losing a brave battle with cancer.
Tonight, Leigh achieves his ambition of driving in the Bendigo Cup when he partners the David Aiken-trained Smudge Bromac in the $50,000 event at Lord’s Raceway. Tiffany won’t be trackside to share the thrill, but Sutton knows she will be with him in spirit. “Everything I do is dedicated to Tiffany," Leigh said yesterday. "I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now without her... she was a superstar. “I couldn’t have asked for anything more from her.
“I’ve always wanted to win a Bendigo Cup and winning a Bendigo Cup for her would be extra special.”
With the help of family, friends and the harness racing industry, Sutton and his one-year-old daughter Milla are getting on with their lives. Sutton continues to build his driving reputation, while Milla has taken her first steps.“Milla’s flat out at the moment,} Leigh said proudly. “She’s running around now and talking. She doesn’t understand the situation and she probably won’t until she goes to school.
“She’s enjoying life, which is great." In Leigh and Tiffany’s time of need the harness racing industry raised more than $100,000 to assist with medical bills and that assistance hasn’t stopped since Tiffany’s passing. “The harness racing industry continues to amaze me with the support they’ve shown," Sutton said. “Even in the past few months the harness racing community has continued to support the trusts. Milla and I owe them a lot.” Smudge Bromac is one of the outsiders in tonight’s Cup, but Leigh gives it a chance of knocking off its more fancied rivals. “My job will be to give him a nice run just in behind the speed and hope we can sprint over the top of them late,’’ Leigh said. “It’s a good race, but if we get a bit of luck you never know.” If anyone deserves a touch of luck tonight it’s Leigh Sutton - Adam Bourke (Bendigo Advertiser)