Hobby trainer shooting for hat-trick

Harness racing hobby trainer-driver Robert Young is relishing the current form of his six-year-old trotter Scar (Danny Bouchea) – but he’s keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

“The horse has really struck a bit of a purple patch and I’m appreciating that he’s going so well,” Young said.

“There’s been times in the sport when I haven’t enjoyed a lot of success, so I’ve definitely got a new lease of life. I just take one race at a time.”

Scar notched up his fourth win of the season at Kilmore last Thursday (August 14), making it back-to-back victories after winning at Ballarat the previous week. He has also posted wins this season at Terang and Cranbourne.

The gelding also won four races last year after Young, who is from Maddingley, near Bacchus Marsh, purchased him from Ballarat’s Murphy family.

“I was very fortunate that David (Murphy) got in contact with me and said the horse was available for sale – he even gave me a few days to think it over!” Young said.

“David was terrific in telling me how he shod the horse and the other little details about things with him. I’ve slowly made a few adjustments, and I think he’s got a bit stronger, and his head is cleared up.”

Scar is thriving in the 40-rating races, though Young acknowledges the challenge will increase if he steps into the low 50s. He said while the trotter has been consistent recently, he can still be unpredictable.

“There have still been times when he will break in the run or trot rough under pressure. He was a bit of a handful early and wouldn’t settle down, so that’s why I don’t look too far ahead,” he said.

“I’ve tried to be consistent with him in the way I work him and when I go to the races.

“He’s easy to work and very much a non-event type but I’ve dragged him around a bit and won races with him at Terang (3), Cranbourne (2), Ballarat, Kilmore and Hamilton.

“We get on well, but he won’t go out of his way to be the best of friends!”

Young prepares Scar from the Balliang property of 2019 Gordon Rothacker Medallist Robert “Ginger” Gleeson, a lifelong friend.

“I first became friends with Ginger’s brother David, then I met Ginger when I was about eight years old – so we certainly go back a long, long time!” Young said.

“Ginger has been great with the shoeing and we’re having a lot of fun. I enjoy the race driving side of it, although I’ve never taken to jogging them up all that well when it’s cold!”

Scar will be aiming for a hat-trick of wins when he lines up again in the opening event at Ballarat tomorrow night (August 21). See the fields and formguides here: 

From Terry Gange for Harnesslink