2009 will always be a memorable year for young driver Gregor Paterson. On September 13^th he recorded his first driving win on board Coalford Freedom in a Young Drivers Race held at Corbiewood.

2008 saw Gregor get his first competitive drive on board American DJ and this was his only drive of the 2008 season. 2009 saw his number of drives increase thanks to the Radiant King gelding Radiant Prince. The 17 year old was the regular pilot of Radiant Prince who is owned by his mother Anne and trained by his father Willie. Gregor drove Radiant Prince 8 times in 2009 and despite failing to record a win he only finished out the money twice. “I've been lucky in that my mum and dad are also involved in the sport and they have been very supportive of me and my brother James. We both get a horse or two that we drive so hopefully I can learn more again this year whilst also getting a few more victories under my belt. The more I drive the more I learn so hopefully other owners/trainers will give me the opportunity to drive their horses”

Gregor says he looks to learn from all drivers but he pays particular attention to the 2009 SHRC and BHRC leading driver Rocker Laidler. “I like his style of driving and he is always willing to give me advice. He does however like to gloat to me during races. A few times last year he passed me whilst giving me some banter on the way. One day I'll give him a taste of his own medicine!”

The 17 year old apprentice joiner also lends a hand with training duties. His father Willie Paterson is the registered trainer of the family however he isn't short of help. Gregor, his brother James and Bryan Moncrieff are always around to help with the jogging and mucking out duties. With his dad potentially training 6-8 horses this year, Gregor will be the regular driver of Radiant Prince, Hastys Gift and Dixie Stallone for the 2010 season. The 2010 season cant come quick enough for the youngster but he knows it will be hard work trying to establish himself as a leading driver. “With 6-8 horses in training next year I'll need to help my dad as much as possible even if it means jogging horses in the morning before work and jogging again at night. I wouldn't change it though as I love the sport and want to progress as much as I can. I had a small taste of success last year and I want to get some more wins this year. I'll keep my head down, work hard and try to keep on learning and with a bit luck I'll get my photos taken a few times this year.”