Harness racing icon’s hit and run mission

It is a far cry living and training horses on the far north coast at Sleepy Hollow from the halcyon days of Sydney’s historic Harold Park, where Vic Frost became a harness racing icon.

During the 1960s, 70s and 80s, Frost was a household name in the sport, winning many premierships and feature races.

Of course, Frost will long be remembered through his partnership with champion pacer Westburn Grant, who was one of the best horses of his era, winning Inter Dominions and Miracle Miles.

These days however, Frost is content with living a more-relaxed lifestyle, training a small team of pacers alongside his wife Gail.

Tonight, Vic will make the seven-hour trip from his home base to Newcastle’s International Paceway where he will contest two heats of the Hunter TAB Regional Championships in the hope that he can qualify for the Group 1 final on May 20.

Accompanying him for the trip south is one of Queensland’s leading young drivers, Matthew Elkins, who will take the reins behind Docta Feelgood and Scotch En Ice.

Elkins, 25, hails from Coominya, near Ipswich and has already driven an impressive 573 winners and 1333 placings during his short career although he is still chasing that elusive Group 1 victory.

“Vic is a legend of the game, and I am very humbled to be driving for him,” Elkins said.

“Vic and Gail have always shown faith in my driving ability and put me on their horses whenever they can.

“When they offered me the chance to make the trip to Newcastle, I didn’t hesitate; I jumped at the chance to drive both their horses.

“I am yet to drive a Group 1 winner, but I believe Vic’s horses have real live chances in the series taking a line through their recent efforts.”

In recent times, Frost has had a habit of making hit-and-run missions to the Hunter Valley region when suitable races have caught his eye . . . and he often heads home with a winner.

For Elkins it will be only the second time he has competed interstate and he is hoping that this time around he can return home a winner.

“I love watching the racing in New South Wales,” said the young reinsman.

“The last time I was down here was to drive at Tamworth and unfortunately the meeting was called off due to wet weather after five races were run.”

To view the fields for Newcastle on Friday, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW