by Cody Winnell
Former gallops jockeys Darren Gauci and Matt Pumpa are eager to face off in a double-seater sulky race at Tabcorp Park Melton after making their trots-track debut at Bendigo’s Harness Racing Training Centre on Tuesday.
Gauci and Pumpa, who mentor apprentice jockeys full-time as part of Racing Victoria’s Apprentice Jockey Training Program, were on hand to learn more about the other code’s development of trainers and drivers.
Gauci said the experience was a thrill.
“I really enjoyed it. It was the first time we’ve done that and it was great. We were amazed, it was a real insight to see just how much speed they have out there,” the four-time Melbourne premiership winning jockey – and three-time Melbourne Cup runner-up – said.
“Hopefully we get the opportunity on a race night to actually have a race against each other in a double-seater sulky. I think that would be a lot of fun.”
The trots Training Centre in Bendigo delivers training and assessment to about 200 students (from trots, gallops and greyhounds).
The centre’s stables, located behind the Bendigo trotting track, have been run by Roma Pocock for a long time and recently she has been joined by leading horseman Glenn Douglas, who assists in a part-time capacity mentoring the students.
The Training Centre is approaching the end of the first semester and there are vacancies in the stable for semester two. If you know someone who is interested in becoming a stablehand, trainer or driver please contact the school on (03) 5449 3590 or 0447 032 770.
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