THERE have been many honours bestowed on people in harness racing over the years and in what has been a tough year for many, several participants in the Western Districts have been acknowledged for their hard work and dedication.
But the highest accolade for 2020 was handed out to popular young reinsman, Justin Reynolds who was named Senior Sportsman of the Year for the Oberon Shire Council area.
“It was an awesome honour for me to be given such a prestigious award in my home town,” said Reynolds.
“For the size of our community, it produces so many top sports people, so to be recognised in this way is very humbling.
“Harness racing has always been very strong in Oberon and I am just pleased that I can do something worthwhile to represent our shire and the sport that I love, and it is most satisfying to keep it in the forefront of the minds of people.”
Reynolds is a quiet achiever who presents himself most professionally and is prepared to travel many kilometres to drive for his father David, Aunty Veronica Fisher, and Grandfather Russell as well as the growing band of trainers who are happy to have him on board their horses.
For the 18 month period from July 2019 to December 2020, Justin drove 46 winners, a mighty effort given that his family only train a handful of horses from their Oberon base.
And while he is happy to make the six-hour round trip to Dubbo, racing at Bathurst each week does make it a little easier on the apprentice electrician.
Tonight, at Bathurst Reynolds has five drives and believes he has his best chances of winning early in the program.
“I would forget about Jack Rocks’ last run, he was a little bit flat following two hard runs prior to that,” he said.
“I think you will see a different horse tonight.
“Manhattan Island ran out of his skin to win last start and although he goes up in grade in Race 2, if he can secure a suitable run, he should be flooding home as he can show a sharp turn of foot.
“I also think Castalong Shadow can go well in Race 3.
“He was off the track last start and his personal sectionals were encouraging.
“He will relish the longer distance tonight and should take some beating.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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