Champion jockeys dip into harness racing

Racing royalty will head to Melton on Friday night, at least in name.

An exciting unraced two-year-old named and strongly linked to former champion jockeys Damien Oliver and Glen Boss will make his debut in the 2YO Maiden (race four).

Ollies The Boss, a son of former superstar juvenile and exciting freshman stallion The Storm Inside, will be hard to beat, according to trainer Andy Gath.

The colt was named as part of the growing Ladbrokes Racing Club and was named in consultation with Oliver and Boss, who are Ladbroke’s ambassadors.

Gath opted to give Ollies The Boss his first start on Friday after a pleasing second at the Melton trials on Tuesday.

“He trialled pretty good, only got beaten a short half-head and still doesn’t know what he’s doing, but I think he’ll be a quality horse going ahead,” Gath said.

“It’s a winnable race and I’d expect him to go pretty close. He’s going to be one of our horses to follow going ahead.

“I’ll he’ll do a good job and have a good career.”

Boss is holidaying in NZ, but said he’ll be watching the youngster step out.

“This sounds like it’s going to be lots of fun,” he said. “We got the mail he had some talent so Ollie and I jumped at the chance to have naming rights.

“I don’t entirely agree with the order of the name, but that’s what happens when you lose rock, paper, scissors and Ollie wins.

“Seriously though, I’ve taken more interest in the trots since I went out and drove out at Kate and Andy’s one day.

“I was across the NZ Cup Day a couple of weeks ago and absolutely loved it. I’ve got a real appreciation for the racing now.

“Hopefully, this fella is good enough to get into some good races.”

Oliver said he would be watching closely, too.

“They got the name right, haha,” he said. “I love the whole Ladbrokes Racing Club concept and the chance to bring new people in to have the ownership experience without the costs.

“I feel like I’m part of this horse. I can’t wait to see how he goes on Friday.

“Andy’s (Gath) record speaks for itself and if he’s got a good opinion of the horse, then it’s got me excited, too.”

by Adam Hamilton, for Harness Racing Australia