Young drivers are off to a great start

Two of the Western District’s up and coming young reinsmen, Jett Turnbull and Jack Chapple had a night out at Parkes on Friday, driving five of the eight harness racing winners between them.

Both are still in the learning phase of their driving careers, but they are showing experience way beyond their years and are certain to scale greater heights.

Turnbull, who only began driving last month, landed a winning treble and took his tally to 15 wins from 54 drives while Chapple secured a double, with his win aboard the Bernie Hewitt-trained gelding I Am Marquez (Grinfromeartoear) being a top-shelf effort, weaving his way through the field from back on the pegs to claim victory in the last few strides.

Both young men will be hoping for more success at Bathurst tonight where they are in demand, Chapple with eight drives and Turnbull with six.

For Chapple, his busy week continues when he heads back to his home town of Tamworth tomorrow night where he has six drives, most of which are on horses trained by his father Dean.

Then it will be back to Dubbo on Friday night when the 17-year-old will take another strong book of drives.

“It is a very busy time for me,” said Jack.

“But I cannot complain as it is what I have dreamed of doing since my childhood.

“So I am more than happy to put in the hard yards to achieve my goal.

“I have been getting plenty of opportunities to drive, which is helping my confidence and giving me exposure and thankfully there has been the odd winner here and there.”

Chapple will again team up with I Am Marquez tonight, who is on a quick back-up from Parkes, five nights ago.

Drawn in gate one in Race 5, the eight-year-old gelding will again be hard to beat, aided by his blinding early gate speed and ideal draw.

“I have not spoken to Bernie or Doug [Hewitt] about a race plan, but the horse does have the speed to lead,” said Chapple.

“However, after coming off cover in his win at Parkes, he has shown that taking a sit may also be an option.

“Either way, I think he will run a bold race and figure in the finish.”

Jett’s best drive comes up in Race 3 aboard Smooth Buzz for his grandfather Steve Turnbull.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW