Painting another milestone

Personal milestones in harness racing throughout New South Wales have come thick and fast during the past few months.

Obviously the most significant one was that achieved by Bathurst’s champion trainer, Steve Turnbull who brought up his 4000th winner when he won a race at Parkes last month.

Last season’s Riverina premier reinsman Jack Painting is the latest to make his mark, reaching 600 wins in the sulky aboard Sasha at Leeton on Tuesday evening.

Painting grew up around horses and gives credit for his achievements to his uncle, leading Narrandera trainer David Kennedy, who has guided him every step of the way.

Almost 20 years after the pair combined to land their first winner, Kennedy and Painting have become a dominant force in the sport throughout the Riverina and their success is likely to continue for years to come.

“I have worked with Dave for my entire time in the sport,” said Painting.

“As with any family business, we do have our challenges, but Dave has been one of my biggest supporters and we are fortunate to have a dedicated team behind us.”

But when he first left school, harness racing was only a hobby for Painting while he undertook an apprenticeship in cabinetmaking.

When not at his day job though, he would be working at the Kennedy stables and would only drive at night race meetings or on the weekends.

“I always planned to get a trade, but it robbed me of opportunities as a junior driver because work was the priority when I was an apprentice,” he said.

“So, to reach 600 wins after that limited start is definitely something I am proud of.

“The past 12 months has been a busy time for me both personally and professionally.

“I married Prue and we have been blessed with a beautiful baby girl.

“Then on the track I landed a century of winners in 2021 and now have achieved this milestone.”

Painting claims that he has had a slow start to 2022 with just 45 winners, but believes the best is yet to come with a stable full of talented pacers being aimed at the upcoming NSW Breeders Challenge.

“We have some nice horses that we are getting ready for feature races in New South Wales and Victoria,” he said.

“Blazing Home is a colt to watch out for, he really excites me.”

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW