Hart making the most of lockdown

It has been a time of mixed emotions for one of Sydney’s leading harness racing drivers Cameron Hart.

Having planned several months ago to compete in Queensland’s recent Constellations Carnival, Hart’s interstate campaign quickly came to a halt.

With Government travel restrictions in place, Hart could not commute back and forth to the Sunshine State as he planned.

“It’s a bit disappointing because I had planned two months in advance to be in Queensland over the Carnival with key drives but because of the COVID restrictions I couldn’t go,” said Hart

Instead, the 22-year-old stayed home which paid dividends.

Just last Thursday night at Penrith he drove a record five winners.

“I had a good night,” he said.

“I have driven four winners a few times but that was the first time I drove five winners.

“With a full book of drives it can be hard to get one winner, so to get that result was great.

“I’m grateful we can compete during lockdown and it has certainly made racing more competitive with some of the top trainers being confined in one area.”

Hart seems to relish in this competitive nature, as his handful of winners at Penrith plus a double at Menangle last Saturday night and another two winners at that venue today saw him reach 100 winners for the season.

Hart is in second position on the New South Wales Drivers’ Premiership with 101 wins.

Formerly based in the Riverina, Hart now is a full-time freelance driver.

“When I first moved to Sydney I was driving trackwork for Shane Sanderson but since he moved to Victoria I have just been race driving,” said Hart.

“I’m enjoying the extra time off in the mornings,” he joked.

“I had a great start with Shane and working with him definitely kicked my career off in Sydney.”

By Amanda Rando for Harnesslink