Former rugby league player not looking back

Harness racing driver Doug Hewitt experienced some highs and lows as an up-and-coming rugby league player when he was just a teenager.

Contracted to the Penrith Panthers, Hewitt starred in the then Holden Cup as a halfback in the under 20’s competition and was touted as a future NRL star.

But rotten luck dogged him as he was struck down and plagued by injuries and after many attempts to revive his fledging career, Doug was forced to give up on his rugby league dream.

That was when he moved back to Bathurst and joined his family at their Georges Plains training establishment. And he has never looked back.

“I have had some great experiences playing football from a young age but have also had some pretty ordinary ones too, due to injury,” said Hewitt.

“It just got to a point where I had to make a decision on my future and at the same time Dad and Mum were struggling to do all the work with the horses.

“In the end, the decision was obvious.

“I packed up and came home and have not looked back.”

Bathurst’s biggest harness racing carnival will conclude on Friday night with a fantastic program and Hewitt has a chance to claim his first Group 1 victory when talented gelding Ripp contests the Llowalong Farms Gold Chalice Final.

The Wayne and Julie Loader-owned three-year-old was impressive when coming off speed to win his heat on Monday and has drawn nicely in gate four, giving Hewitt the confidence that his charge can be right in the finish.

“He was super on Monday,” said Hewitt.

“He has been driven off the speed in each of his four race starts and even though he drew badly in his heat, our team knew what he could produce when held up for the last crack at his opposition, and he certainly proved us right.

“There looks to be a lot of speed in the final.

“I am going to have to make a move at some stage to put him into the race and I am certain that with his fair share of luck he can win.”

The Hewitt and Loader combination will be seeking further Group 1 glory in the Gold Tiara Final where they have Betting Jewel and Jewel Melody engaged.

Both fillies were impressive in their respective heat wins.

To view the fields for Bathurst on Friday click here.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW