Ewa looks to emulate dad’s magical moment

Saturday night could be one of the most special nights for one of the most storied families in harness racing.

John Justice will be hoping he can combine with daughter Ewa (Justice) to win Saturday night’s Trotters Inter Dominion Grand Final at Menangle with Mufasa Metro (Father Patrick).

Justice tasted Inter Dominion success back in 2000 when the trainer-driver steered Shakamaker from last to first under the lights at Moonee Valley.

“I absolutely remember it well,” Justice said.

“The day started when I went on the radio and did a few interviews and didn’t do much with the horse that morning.

“I remember the day and I remember the night after we won. I didn’t have a drink, but we celebrated.

A triumph on Saturday night might be all the sweeter and somehow top that magical night.

“It gives us something to bond over. It would be pretty special if we could both do it together on Saturday night,” he said.

Justice, 65, isn’t ruling out that Ewa could be a better driver than himself when all is said and done.

“I was so impressed and proud of her. She will defiantly (be better than me) without a doubt,” John justice said.

“Well if anyone can do it, she can. She is becoming a really fantastic driver and I watched her drive a race on an $100-1 horse and she nearly won it and I was so impressed.

“She (Ewa) has a much better temperament than me and it keeps her a bit calmer and she doesn’t get flustered.”

Justice is forced to play trainer, mentor and leader as well as the most important role of all, dad to the 21-year-old.

“It can be tricky,” Justice said. “We gel pretty well together and I don’t force her to do anything.

“We never have any plans in concrete because things never go to plan.”

John and Ewa will team up on Saturday night with Mufasa Metro who has drawn six for the $150,000 Group 1 event.

“We haven’t drawn well, so that doesn’t help, but the horse is always improving,” he said.