Best start ever to Turnbull’s harness racing season

Just four months into the 2023 harness racing year, Bathurst trainer-driver Nathan Turnbull has had his best start ever to a season.

The 40-year-old has held his own within the ranks since building up his horse numbers, and last term recorded an impressive 132 wins as a reinsman and 117 as a trainer.

Presently and for the first time, Turnbull sees himself at the top of the state’s trainers’ premiership with 43 wins, narrowly ahead of KerryAnn Morris and Belinda McCarthy, who have each dominated the titles in recent times.

Although his unprecedented lead is a feather in his cap, Turnbull understands he will need to keep stepping up to the mark if he is to stay on top but is confident in his proven ability to place horses in the right races to get the best results.

“We have had a dream 18 months to be honest,” said Turnbull.

“Last season was my best result ever as both a trainer and driver and now that we have started so well this year it will be a matter of doing what we do best, I guess.

“There is no secret to my success. I love to travel my horses to wherever they can win a race and having that commitment to do so has no doubt helped me strengthen both my numbers and quality.”

Apart from putting numbers on the board, Turnbull is looking forward to some important milestones as the season progresses.

His son Jett is ready to begin his driving career after completing the mandatory process on the trial circuit.

And then, of course, Turnbull’s stable star Better Be The Best (Shoobees Place) will return from a break to contest more feature races.

“Yes, the next few months are going to be exciting for us and fingers crossed that all goes well,” he said.

“Jett is champing at the bit to get out there.

“He can contest races after he turns 16 in July and no doubt he will be wanting to drive at the first opportunity.

“It is great to see just how keen he is.”

Turnbull has indicated that Better Be The Best will return to racing in August, just prior this year’s New South Wales Breeders Challenge series.

Turnbull has five drives at tonight’s Bathurst meeting, including Potter who will be hard to beat in the opening event.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW