Ella embraces her harness racing destiny

31 August 2026

PAUL COURTS 

DESPITE her heritage and obvious talent, there was a time Ella Turnbull never considered following what could be best described as 'her destiny'.

Although she hails from one of harness racing's most powerful dynasties, Turnbull stated she had little interest in being part of the industry.

That gradually changed as the young horsewoman began helping her father, Josh, around the stable, leading to the 17-year-old becoming one of New South Wales most talented concession drivers.

"I guess I was a bit of a princess who never really had an interest in horses," Turnbull explained. "I liked dancing and never paid attention to the stable.

"Then I started helping my Dad on the weekends and loved it...now I can't imagine doing anything else, especially after nights like I had in Bathurst!"

Undertaking her regular trip to Bathurst last Friday, Turnbull was one of four members of the clan to venture to the winners' circle, but led the way with a driving treble.

Combining with her father in the opening race, Turnbull was triumphant with Californiaprincess, which completed an impressive racing return.

First-up since last October, Californiaprincess led throughout from barrier three to score by four-and-a-half metres from Karinya Sophie, with Heartfelt a half-neck away third.

"We were pretty confident with her as she had been working and trialling well," Turnbull said.

Turnbull then made the most of a 'catch' drive behind Pyekakariki to notch a running double.

After travelling midfield from his second row draw, Pyekakariki registered a two-and-a-half metre win from Lookout, with Brooklyn Bandit four-and-a-half metres away third.

"I had driven him at the trials, but it was a late driver change for the races," Turnbull said. "Given how he went in the trials I felt he had a good chance, it was just getting clear from the draw that was the main issue.

"The race unfolded just as we needed and he was good enough to make the most of it."

Ultimate Equus rounded out Turnbull's treble by rating 1:57.3 over 1730 metres as Lexy Longstockings and Take His Place filled the minors.

"It was a great night...I'm rapt," Turnbull said. "I got a treble at Bathurst in June, but one of those got the win from a protest, so this is the first treble where I've been first past the post in all three."