Painting gets 700th win milestone

Riverina harness racing reinsman Jackson Painting is amongst the best in New South Wales and has excelled in recent years as the stable driver for prominent Colleambally trainer David Kennedy.

So, it was no surprise that Jack brought up his 700th winner in Wagga on Friday afternoon, fittingly aboard Classic Mix Up (American Ideal), trained by Kennedy and owned by Painting’s mother Janet and his good mates Brayden Scarr and Steve Fuller.

It took all of Painting’s tactical ability and vigor to get the well-bred four-year-old mare over the line first, scoring by just a head, defeating long odds-on favourite, Victorian visitor Kenley.

Painting was quick to acknowledge those involved with the winner, stating that his good success was attributed to the wonderful support received from people like them throughout the Riverina, providing him with the opportunity to drive nice horses.

CLASSIC MIX UP REPLAY

“When you bring up these milestones it leaves you with a sense of achievement,” he said.

“I never make a big deal of them but on a personal level it is very satisfying.

“Of course, you strive to win races every time you compete at a race meeting, but I do not really set targets.

“That said, to have driven 700 is still pretty cool.

“Driving that many winners is never easy though.

“There are many long days and nights in the racing game and it is hard going at times, and you have to work for it.

“But I have a great crew around me that encourage me to do my best, give me plenty of opportunities as well as the support that I need to get the job done.

“My uncle Dave (Kennedy) and I work very closely together with the horses.

“He is a talented trainer who is always finding quality horseflesh to join our stable and he knows how to get them right for race day .”

For complete race results, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW