Ashwood notches 500th win in Hobart milestone

Veteran Tasmanian reinsman Rodney Ashwood reached a significant milestone in his long and distinguished harness racing career on Sunday night, bringing up his 500th career driving win with MIKISPUR in Hobart.

Ashwood began his career in the sulky during the 1988/89 season and has since built a reputation as one of Tasmania’s most consistent and respected horsemen. Known for his tactical nous and steady hands, Ashwood has enjoyed sustained success both in the cart and in the stable.

His most notable victory came in December 2024 when he expertly guided Cool Water Paddy to victory in the Doug Martin Danbury Park Cup (2698m) in Launceston. Overcoming a 10-metre handicap, Ashwood timed his run to perfection to claim the feature event in emphatic style.

In one of the more memorable moments of his career, Ashwood drove Sutter Star to its first win of the season in Hobart in April 2023. The night wasn’t just significant for the horse—it also became legendary when Ashwood lost a tooth mid-race and somehow managed to catch it on the fly, adding a humorous and human touch to his enduring legacy.

Ashwood’s achievements extend beyond the sulky. As a trainer, he claimed Group race glory in 2021 with Watchmylips, who stormed home to win the Group 2 Maxfield Drilling Raider Stakes Final in Devonport. The colt was driven on that occasion by Hall of Famer Ricky Duggan.

With over three decades in the sport and now 500 wins to his name, Rodney Ashwood continues to be a pillar of Tasmania’s harness racing scene—equal parts talent, toughness, and tenacity.

by Gary Newton