Ford races away with Youngbloods title

The six-race series concluded with three heats in Hobart on Sunday night, with the three heats held in Launceston the night prior.

Mitch won two races of the series, including heat four with Tourquiose Stride (Somebeachsomewhere), who utilised his pole draw to lead all the way for a narrow victory after some solid early and mid-race sections.

Other heat winners on the Hobart card were Spikey Boy for Jacob Duggan and Mach Angelo, who was driven by Malcom Jones.

Ben Yole prepared all three heat winners.

Ford, 19, is still in his first season of driving and has a handy lead at the top of the state’s junior and overall driving premierships with 66 wins for the term, and he was delighted to add the 6ty° Youngbloods Challenge to his resume.

“It was a huge thrill.

“I didn’t think I would reap that sort of reward in my first full season if driving,” said Mitch after the conclusion of the series.

“Luck did play a major part, I drew some nice horses that had some good draws during the series, and things panned out well in the races for me,” added the series winner.

The series was the 22nd sponsored by 6ty°, and Mitch acknowledged his contribution to the series.

“Us junior drivers have to be very grateful for Chester (Bullock) for his support of the series, along with the trainers and owners that entered horses to ensure there was a series,” said Mitch.

Mitch’s win sees him follow in the footsteps of his father, Scott, who won the series in 1987, which was the second edition of the 6ty Youngbloods Challenge.

The final points score was:
67 Mitch Ford,
51 Brodie Davis,
43 Malcom Jones,
41 Jacob Duggan,
41 Ryan Backhouse,
37 Charlie Castles,
33 Bronte Miller,
29 Liam Older,
27 Kayleb Williams,
21 Lachlan Dakin.

Mitch will receive his trophy for the series win at the Launceston Pacing Club’s Danbury Park Cup race meeting on 18 December.

For complete race results and replays, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing