29 June 2018
NEWCASTLE PREVIEW | AMANDA RANDO
HE never intended of making a career in harness racing yet young driver Todd Day is doing just that.
The 22-year-old horseman made the move from Goulburn to Young and is now experiencing success in the sport that he never anticipated.
This includes his latest honour, being selected to represent his region in the Nicholas Dewar Memorial Rising Stars Series.
“It has been great . . . the whole trip has been a good experience,” Day said.
Heats of this Rising Stars Series began at Young last Tuesday before moving to Bathurst on Wednesday night.
And with a couple of placings to his name, Day was sitting amongst the middle of the tally of the 10 elite drivers selected to take part in the series.
More heats will be held at Bankstown on Friday night and a further three heats will be held at Newcastle on Saturday night before one final heat at Menangle on Sunday.
In Saturday night’s first heat (race two), Day will partner the Polly Downing-trained At Em Ashley.
“She’s been racing well and looks down in grade from what she has been racing,” Day said.
“Power Surge looks the danger but she looks a top three hope.”
At Em Ashley is drawn in barrier two, however, Day has a more difficult draw to contend with in the following heat (race four).
Day has been assigned the drive on Our Bushwacker that has drawn barrier nine.
“It’s going to be hard from that draw, we will need a bit of luck,” Day admitted.
However, barrier draws are back on Day’s side in Saturday night’s third heat (race six) where he will steer The Eye Of Eden who has drawn barrier four.
“This horse has been running some nice placings of late and looks a place chance again,” Day said.
Although Day’s driving abilities are at the fore this week, away from this drivers’ series he has been making a name for himself as a trainer.
Day, the son of Goulburn trainer Dennis Day, began training his own team last July.
He has trained four winners to date and his most recent win was with his pacer A Sweet Success that took out a Country Series Final at Menangle.
“I moved to Young to be with my girlfriend and was just trying to get established so didn’t have any horses,” Day said.
“I friend of mine Josh Powderly needed a junior driver so I decided to renew my licence.
“I spent some time working with thoroughbreds but now I’m enjoying having my own team.”
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by a Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
AMANDA RANDO | MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
(02) 9722 6600 • arando@hrnsw.com.au• @Amanda_Rando