Josh no one-trick pony

JOSH Turnbull is one of the Western District’s quiet achievers. 

Still, the second eldest son of Steve and Jenny Turnbull is no one-trick pony.

Best known as one of the district’s best horse breakers, Josh also puts the polish on a handy team of pacers.

It is one of those wonderful family stories that evolves around Josh and his wife Jess, herself a successful businesswoman, who runs a very busy dance studio in Bathurst.

Add to that, the pair have three daughters and a son with their older two girls keen on the horses, helping around the stables and participating in the mini trot movement.

“I am working a big team of 32 horses, 20 of them are already at the races,” said Turnbull.

“The other 12 are young ones, some of which are due to head to the trials and race over the coming months.”

Already this year, Turnbull has produced a handful of two-year-olds including impressive Parkes winner Collect A Dime last Sunday night.

“I was really impressed with Collect A Dime on the weekend, he raced like a true professional and my brother Mitch gave him a nice run in transit,” said Turnbull.

“Admittedly he did have the best run of the six youngsters, which enabled him to steam home over the top of them.

“I had three in the race at Parkes and I wasn’t disappointed with the other two either.

“I expect both will get better with experience.

“Collect A Dime is 100 per cent Queensland bred and we did not pay up for the Gold Crown with him. 

“He will probably head north in an attempt to win his Qbred bonus at some stage soon.”

Turnbull enjoyed a very successful weekend, winning three races, one at Young with Substitooth for Graham and Denise Bullock and two at Parkes with Lucky Lyla and Collect A Dime, both of which are owned by Jess.

“I have an interesting runner going around in the two-year-old at Bathurst tonight named Buddy Brilliance,” said Turnbull.

“He is owned by Linda and Lester Hewitt, who have been great supporters of mine ever since I went out on my own 12 years ago. 

“He has had three trials and just keeps getting better. 

“Gate 10 will be a challenge for him tonight but if he gets a suitable run, I still think he can figure in the finish.”

HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL DUMESNY