2095 wins and counting

Southern Sydney harness racing trainer-driver Blake Fitzpatrick kicked off his stellar driving career 22 years ago by working for his father Paul.

The competent horseman is humbled by the number of winners he has driven during that time with 2095 victories now under his belt.

But despite his vast achievements, the tireless worker maintains that hunger to achieve more in his unique situation of being a dual licensee, dividing his time between harness and thoroughbred racing, where he displays his versatility with plenty of success in both codes.

“I have been fortunate to be afforded the opportunities that I have right throughout my career to date,” said Fitzpatrick.

“We work hard at home and I am a believer that you only get out what you put into anything you do.

“And I feel that we do hold our own in both racing codes.

“To have driven the number of winners that I have is a satisfying achievement.

“I have had a lot of great support along the way from my family and other solid supporters, which has made it just that much easier for me.

“I have savoured the milestones along the way, but they also drive me to want to achieve even more and I guess you would be in the wrong game if you didn’t maintain that mindset.”

Blake and his family regularly race their horses at Penrith, where they have always met with a lot of success, in fact both he and Paul have each trained 22 winners there during the past 12 months.

Between them they have five runners entered at the meeting on Thursday (Oct. 6), with Blake to drive two of them.

One that he is keen to get behind is former Kiwi mare Sheza Rose (Bettor’s Delight), who contests the opening race.

Having her fist Australian start, the mare was sent to Blake by her New Zealand owners and the five-year-old possesses strong form lines from across the ditch and was also impressive in winning a trial at Penrith 11 days ago.

“I have no doubt that in time, she will be a Menangle class mare,” said Blake.

“The owners sent her over here, knowing that I can better place her here in New South Wales.

“On paper her New Zealand form looks strong.

“I was happy with the way she trialled and also with her work leading into this race.”

For complete race fields, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW