01 August 2022 | HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL DUMESNY
Saturday night will be a night that fledgling Sydney trainer, Ash Hart will remember forever.
Hart (25) who took out her trainer’s license a month ago has just one pacer in her care, the talented Defiant and the gelding scored an impressive victory in the Group 3 Club Menangle Winter Championship Final.
The win was Hart’s first as a trainer and she took out her license specifically to be able to race Defiant in Sydney for her uncle Trevor White.
“It was a very special win for all of us,” said Hart.
“For anyone to win their first race as a trainer at a metropolitan meeting is quite exciting. But for me, to be able to win at Group 3 level was special and something that I thought I could only dream of.”
White sent the horse to his niece following his victory in the Group 1 New South Wales State Championship final at the end of May.
Defiant started a rank outsider in that feature race when trained at Junee by White, giving driver Peter McCrae his first Group and metropolitan winner.
“Trev had done all the hard work with the horse to get him this far. He sent him down to me after winning that Group 1 and he has thrived at Menangle where he is suited by the racing pattern.”
“He does all of his work here which I feel has helped him. He is a happy horse at the moment, and it shows by how well he is racing.”
The win was a real family affair as Ash’s brother Cam drove the horse and their parents Mark and Michelle were on hand to witness it.
“Cameron summed the race up perfectly, and as usual took the right options. The leader set a brisk pace which suited our horse down to the ground.”
“Having Dad and Mum here made it extra special. They have been so supportive of Cam and I and it meant the world to me that the four of us were there to share in the win.”
Ash plans to continue racing Defiant at Menangle and will set the four year old for a tilt at the New South Wales Breeders Challenge later in the year.
Newcastle will conduct a nine race program this afternoon with Bee Okay appearing the best bet in the Sky Racing Active Pace.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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