New names in harness racing form guides

Grace Jones will continue a strong family tradition when she takes to the harness racing track at Carrick Park on Sunday afternoon.

Jones, 16, is a fourth-generation participant who recently completed her mandatory number of trial drives.

She will have her first drive aboard Nova Baxter (Blissfull Hall), which is trained by her father, Mark, in the Leigh & Rodney Plunkett Pace (2150m).

“I’m looking forward to it.

“Since I was young, I have always wanted to drive in races,” said Grace, who is yet another graduate of Tasracing’s Mini Trot program into race day driving.

The Year 10 Exeter High School student appreciates those who have helped her to date.

“It was a big difference going from track work to the trials, but I have got used to it now.

“I have had plenty of people help me, like Dad and Rohan Hillier. And my brother Malcom isn’t afraid to tell me what I have done wrong,” she said.

As for her chances on Sunday, there was some confidence in her voice.

“It is a big drop in class for her, and if she does everything right, we shouldn’t be far away,” said Grace, who has driven the pacer in most of her track work and in several trials.

Arnott name returns

Another new name spotted in Monday’s trial results was that of 16-year-old Ethan Arnott, the son of former trainer-driver Andrew Arnott, who had his first trial drive.

The Year 11 St Patrick’s College student has been working as a barrier attendant at Launceston, Carrick and Burnie recently, and has spent his recent school holidays and weekends helping Longford-based trainer Todd Rattray.

New trainer in Brighton

The state’s training ranks have also been recently boosted by the addition of Brighton-based trainer Jason Parsons, who’s interest started back in the era of harness racing at the Royal Showgrounds in Hobart.

“I don’t have any family background in the industry at all.

“I started giving a few of the boys at the Showgrounds a hand at least 20 years ago as a friend of mine’s father had horses, so that sparked my interest.

“And then things happened, and I moved away from that for 20 years, and when I moved up to Brighton with a bit of acreage, things changed a little bit with my work situation and my young bloke moved out of home, and I had a bit more time on my hands so I got back into it,” said Parsons.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing