Born and bred into the sport, Tom Pay is the oldest of four children and explains his upbringing as privileged. Spending his school holidays at Steve and Jenny Turnbull’s since the age of 14 has advanced Tom in his driving career and he looks up to Steve for the opportunities he has given him.
The Year 11 student admits that it is a struggle to combine both school and his passion for harness racing. He tries to put his horses first but his Mum, Brigette would like him to focus on his schooling at St John’s College first. Tom has ambitions of one day becoming a farrier but for the meantime is happy to take everything as it comes. He wishes to have a small team in work on the side after losing his claim as well as the career of his choice.
Tom’s greatest racing accomplishments to date are scoring his first double at Dubbo behind Zodiac Dream and Sanity Clause in December 2015, which was nearly a treble but was beaten a short-half-head with Karloo Quade. He also drove his first winner at Tabcorp Park Menangle with Lap Dancer on December 11, 2015. Tom enjoyed success when he won the Tabcorp Park Menangle Country Series Heat with Fantasy Level back in April this year.
Tom’s greatest inspiration is Mat Rue and hopes to one day win dual Group 1’s in a day like him. In April 2013 Mat won the Miracle Mile as well as the Two-Year-Old Australian Pacing Gold Final at Tabcorp Park Menangle.
Miley Cyrus or Katy Perry? – Katy Perry
Favourite food – Jenny Turnbull’s roast
Steak or chicken? – Steak, medium.
Briefs or boxes? – Knickers
Favourite saying – You only go back if you drop your wallet
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
