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t-size: 12px;">Who is New York trainer Brandon Loomis?

Winbak graduate: Ticker Tape

Just over a year ago at Saratoga Raceway Brandon Loomis trained and drove his first winner. Now some 13 months later the 27-year-old New York native is experiencing more highs in harness racing. On November 23 Oneida born and educated Loomis bolstered his small stable to five by purchasing Magical Mike gelding, Ticker Tape.

At that stage the 6-year-old bay had won three of his 51 starts. Now under Loomis's care Ticker Tape has won two out of three. He was also victorious at Monticello Raceway on December 18.

"It was a great feeling to win first-up with him. I've wanted to be a trainer and driver for a long time now and it's a great thrill to own, train and drive a winner. He's going really well at the moment and can win again soon," Loomis told Harnesslink.

Loomis trained and drove his first winner on November 24 last year at Saratoga Raceway behind pacer Miracle Freeluck.

He has now trained 15 winners (eight in 2011) since getting his license in 2009. He's also reined home six winners - five of them this year.

It's not an easy job but it's one that I really love. Actually it's something I have always wanted to do. I just want to build up my name and get more people to know who I am and what I can do.

"In saying that, I enjoy watching and listening to other horsemen. You never stop learning in this game and at this stage of my career I just want to take it all in," Loomis said.

Loomis wasn't born into a harness racing family but his father's side of the family were keen on the sport until they got out of it in the 1980s.

"I grew up hearing stories about dad and his family's involvement in horses. It really intrigued me. That's why I didn't finish College. I couldn't resist jumping boots ‘n all into harness racing," Loomis said.

Loomis studied equine science and management, which included a harness racing course, but he was too keen to get his hands dirty.

"I had enough of all the studying and talking about horses. I was already doing part-time stable work for Clint Galbraith and couldn't wait to get out there and make a full-time career of it.

"So that's what I did."

Loomis started working for the Jack Bailey stable and also worked for other horsemen including Chip Zombick.

He has been working on his own for three seasons now and as he looks to 2012 Loomis said he wanted to keep improving.

"I want to get more exposure and I can only do that by winning more races. I know I will have to keep upgrading my stock and I'm really prepared to make a real good go of it all," Loomis said.

Before the interview ended on December 23 we asked Loomis a few other questions.

What do you want for Christmas? A Hambletonian winner.

What will you do Christmas Day? Have a quiet relaxing dinner with my family.

Are you married? No.

High School? Oneida Senior High. Class of 2003.

Interests outside racing? Camping, cycling, horseback riding.

Interests inside racing? Vice president of the Onondaga Harness Horseman's Association.

Music likes? Country, rock, classic rock, Anna Eriksson, Reba McEntire.

Favorite driver or trainer? There are so many and I've learnt a lot from them just by watching. But anyone can look good on a good horse and the opposite on a bad horse.

Favorite movies? Pearl Harbor, Enemy At The Gates, Knowing.

Favorite TV shows? Bones, 24, House, PA Harness Week, NCIS.

Website?  http://loomisracingstable.weebly.com/

Email? loomisracingstable@gmail