Gold Coast race day a family affair for Grahams and Lawsons

THE Gold Coast races on ­Saturday were just about ­perfect for the Graham and Lawson families.

Jockey Melinda Graham makes it a family affair as she wins on Masked Model at the Gold Coast for her father, Murwillumbah trainer Darren. Pictures: TRACKSIDE PHOTOGRAPHY/JESSICA HAWKINS

THE Gold Coast races on ­Saturday were just about ­perfect for the Graham and Lawson families.

Murwillumbah-based trainer Darren Graham had two winners from three runners with Gotta Goodie winning the QBI Stroke Recovery Maiden Plate (2200m) before Masked Model won the QBI Neuroscience Fillies and Mares Maiden Handicap (1200m) in the next race.

Gotta Goodie is owned by Sydneysider Keith Lawson and his nephew Josh.

Masked Model is owned by Keith’s Sunshine Coast-based brother Ken, who races it with wife Marie and sons Heath, Tyrone and Hayden.

Graham’s daughter Melinda rode Masked Model in what was their second win together.

The Graham family’s history in racing runs deep with Darren a former jockey and his brother Peter still one while Melinda’s mother Jenny Graham is also a trainer at Port Macquarie.

“It’s great to share it with Melinda and she is over the moon,” Graham said.

“The Lawsons are really good owners too. They put a lot into it.”

Graham said Gotta Goodie had shown promise since coming up from Sydney early this year and just needed an opportunity on a dry track after racing mostly in wet conditions.

“He wasn’t liking the wet track and that’s what we have been running into,” Graham said.

“This was probably the second time he has run into a dry track and he’s improving all the time.

“When he goes for a spell and comes in for the next prep he will be better.

“He might have one more than go for a little break.”