HARNESS Racing NSW have released the names of those contenders who have been selected to be part of this year’s Nicholas Dewar Memorial – NSW Rising Stars series.
Congratulations to Maitland junior reinsman Mitch Chapple who will represent the North and Hunter Valley in the series, with the first round of competition at Young before heading to Bathurst, Bankstown and Newcastle, and then the grand finale at Tabcorp Park Menangle on July 1.
Also, congratulations to Madi Young who has made the team and is often seen driving for her stepfather Greg and her mum Tneal Coney at Tamworth Paceway. Madi will represent the Metropolitan region where she is based, working at Menangle.
Ellen Rixon will return as defending champion and is joined by her brother Will Rixon (Metropolitan), Cameron Hart (Metropolitan), Justin Reynolds (Western Districts), Tom Pay (Western Districts) Todd Day (South West and Riverina) Chris Judd (South West and Riverina) and Blake Micallef (South West and Riverina).
“These young people are the future of our sport and I am certain they recognise the privilege it is to be selected to compete in the series,” HRNSW chief executive officer John Dumesny said.
“The week of activities outside of the race driving will be educational and entertaining for the divers. A significant component, however, is the opportunity for these Rising Stars to bond in the series in a sport in which they have a demonstrated passion.”
As well as on-course competition, the young Rising Stars will visit Success Stud at Young, Cobbitty Equine with the McCarthys, and the Steve Turnbull training complex at Bathurst. We wish all the Rising Stars success, and will keep an eye out for the specially-designed silks for Mitch and Madi.
TAMWORTH HRC is set for another massive 10-race program this Sunday afternoon, starting at 1.28 pm. There will be some new horses featuring at the meeting for local trainers, so best study that form guide.
Before the Tamworth meeting, we can turn to Albion Park on Saturday with Narrabri pacer Limousine Livia, from the Jarred Hetherington stables, set to contest the Mr Feelgood@Egmont Park Stud Mares Qualifying Pace (9.07pm), then turn to the Newcastle meeting where Tamworth trainer Tony Missen has two-year-old pacer Onahi Delight in the final event of the night.
THE word is another top performer is heading for stud duties. Bling It On has retired to stud after finishing ninth at Menangle last Saturday. The horse has racing career earnings of $1,656,656, with 45 winners and 20 placings from only 86 race starts.
