TOM Ison is about to be a Rising Star.
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Those who saw him win last Thursday’s Perc Verning Memorial Pace at Tamworth Paceway would know he’s already risen.
The 16-year-old Year 11 student at Tamworth High won his 13th race at the Paceway with a perfectly-judged, patient drive on Alyeska Dream, the bonny mare saved for one last sharp and devastating winning run in the final 300m.
It was Ison’s fifth win on the mare, raced by breeders Brian and Robert Betts, and trained by Kootingal horseman Ian “Spud” Verning.
That Spud, who has just turned 70, won a race named in honour of his late father, Perc Verning, made it even sweeter.
“Fairytales do come true,” was Spud’s emotionally jubilant one-liner after the race.
He also handed young Tom the best accolade a driver can receive.
When questioned by on-course interviewer Mark Lowe as to whether there were any pre-race instructions, Ison replied, “nothing much, not a peep from Spud actually.”
“He must have a bit of confidence in me.”
Spud was behind Tom and Mark at the presentation ceremony and added: “I don’t give instructions to anyone who knows how to drive”.
It was the fitting assessment for a young driver in the ascendancy who saved Alyeska Dream “for one last crack” and utilised her typical short sharp finishing burst for exactly the right time.
“The old man (Perc) would have been very proud today,” Spud added.
“He would have been very proud of Tommy’s drive.”
Ison was pretty happy too in the tie-up stalls as they took off Alyeska Dream’s race gear.
He’s won five times on her and thought “that was the best”.
“Unbelievable – she was doing nothing early but I saved her for that last crack.”
And she did the rest to notch a ninth career win at her 59th start.
For Ison, the Harness Racing NSW Rising Star Series now beckons.
He’s been chosen to take part in the annual series for young drivers.
“It starts June 21st,” he said.
“We race at Menangle, Penrith, Bankstown, Young and Newcastle.
“Over seven days we drive at all the five tracks and go to see all the big trainers.
“We get to drive two horses at each meeting .
“It’s just the luck of the draw who you get.
“I’m very excited about it, very happy to be going.”
Tamworth Harness Racing Club races again on Thursday, May 21.
Nominations for that meeting close at 9.30am this Friday.
