Race back in harness for hopefuls

A NEW harness racing season may be starting tonight, but old rivals will continue to do battle in Hobart.

The first meeting for Tasmania’s harness racing season is at the Elwick Racecourse tonight and the fight for premierships start again.

Todd Rattray will be hoping to build on his success from last season after winning his first state drivers premiership and finishing second in the state trainers premiership.

“I had a good season and I was pleased with my results in both my driving and training,” Rattray said.

“It was my most successful season as a driver. I was happy with how I went with my training, given it was only my second time doing it.”

Todd and his brother Gareth had an enthralling battle last season for the state drivers premiership. The lead changed hands continuously through the course of the season and Todd eventually came away the winner with a lead of one win.

“We always have good battles,” Rattray said. “It was nice to get the win over him.

“Hopefully I can have the same result again.”

Ben Yole’s record-breaking season was too strong for Rattray and any other trainer to compete with.

Yole finished with 124 wins for the season and broke the previous record of 118 wins, held by Neville Webberley, on his way to winning the state trainers premiership in front of second-placed Rattray who recorded 67 wins.

“He [Yole] did a terrific job last season preparing so many horses,” Rattray said.

“He probably has too many horses for me to catch him but I was happy with my wins in feature events.”

Rattray is driving in six of tonight’s nine events on the program and trains three horses on the card.

The sixth race of the night is the event Rattray believes he has his best chances of winning with Hilargi and he also has faith in Full Speed Ahead in race three.

“Hilargi drew one so hopefully he can get a strong start and win,” Rattray said. “Full Speed Ahead is another who can win. If he can find the front he will be hard to stop.”