18 August 2017
By PAUL MICALLEF
BATHURST trainer Nathan Hurst has made a name for himself in harness racing - in more ways than one.
The 36-year-old has been among the leading brigade of trainers/drivers in the Western Districts for over a decade.
And most of his string carry the name Tulhurst, a combination of his mother’s Pauline Tulenew’s maiden name and his father Kevin’s surname.
“I work about 25 out of Dad’s property Tulhurst Lodge,” Nathan said, with free-for-all pacer Saloon Passage the star of his team.
“Dad still trains a few and helps out, along with fiancé Angela Hedges and Uni student/claiming driver David McKenzie.”
The Hurst’s best bearing their moniker has been triple Group 1 placegetter Tulhurst Kiss, a $100,000 plus earner.
At Dubbo on Sunday Nathan has ambitions of winning with Tulhurst Terror (race one) and Tulhurst Cash (race five).
“They both are late bloomers. They have been given plenty of time and the best is yet to come,” Nathan said.
Tulhurst Terror has had five starts as a two-year-old and is knocking on the door for a win after his last three excellent placings.
“There are no standouts which gives us a chance to dominate,” Hurst continued.
“He has been going really well but meeting a better one each time.”
Tulhurst Cash is a three-year-old with only 11 starts and his last run indicated he is ready to win with a head second to Espyrante at Parkes.
“He injured himself in the Gold Crown last year. He’s had a long spell which has done him the world of good,” Nathan said.
“He just keeps improving and I think he will develop into a nice money spinner.
“He’s had the back row a lot and gets to chance to land a lot closer today from his better barrier.”
Despite liking his chances with the above two he rates maiden Ann Of Cleaves (race three) as the best for the stable.
The three-year-old Art Major filly was unplaced at her first seven starts before showing her talent last start when second to the odds-on Belligerence.
“I like her the most because I think we can lead all the way,” he said.
“I took cover last time behind a smart one but I’ll be more aggressive.
“She needed some confidence. She’s had a few issues and taken a while to do everything right." he said.
Stablemates Peggyville, Spanish Lustre and to a lesser extent Betters Power can all figure in the finish with a run to suit, Hurst added.