Jett’s career takes off as he creates history

At the age of 16 Bathurst’s star reinsman Jett Turnbull has created history for becoming the youngest driver in Australian harness racing history to have reach 100 winners.

That record was previously held by Queensland’s Angus Garrard who achieved the feat as a 17-year-old.

Turnbull eclipsed the record at Dubbo on May 10 when driving the Michael Carroll-trained Borrowed Time, almost 10 months to the day of him kicking off his driving career.

“It has been a massive time for me,” said Turnbull.

“I thought that if I was able to land 50 winners in my first year I would be over the moon.

“But I have been most fortunate to have had unbelievable support from so many owners and trainers but especially from my parents and extended family who have encouraged me every step of the way.

“My parents, Nathan and Carly have gone above and beyond any expectation and encouragement, especially Dad who has given up a lot of his better drives to give me the opportunities within our stable which is something I never expected from him, but I am forever grateful for.

“Having a five-point claim has also been beneficial to me in the current handicapping system, enabling me to pick up some nice drives up which otherwise I probably would not have been afforded which is great.”

With the future looking bright for Turnbull, he is maintaining a cool head and remains humble, stating that he needs to stay focussed and continue to work hard to get the ongoing results.

And he is adamant that he will not be moving away from Bathurst.

“I keep being asked if I will be on the move. You never know what the future has in store, but for now I am in the best spot,” he said.

“Bathurst is right in the centre of everything. We race here every week and then I have the option to either travel to the provincial tracks or head out west, all within a few hours from home.”

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW