Queensland reinsmen hopes to make his mark in Victoria

One of Queensland’s most promising young harness racing reinsmen is hoping to make an impact here in Victoria while working at the state’s powerhouse training operation of Tonkin Stewart Racing.

Redcliffe-born Zac Chappenden is in his third week of work with the Cardigan-based stable and had his first drives since making the move interstate at Tuesday’s Ballarat trial meeting.

Chappenden has made the trip south with girlfriend Amy Cargill, who has also taken up employment with master conditioners Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin.

The young horseman said the idea about a move to Tonkin Stewart Racing was first put to him by Summit Bloodstock’s Jamie Durnberger-Smith.

“You couldn’t really say no to an opportunity like this,” Chappenden said.

“It’d be awesome if I could get some drives off them and it’d be nice to work with some good horses.

“Yesterday they put me on a few at the trials and it was a really good experience. It’s my first time ever going to Victoria – I’ve never been here before.”

Chappenden has been around the sport his whole life, with father Phil and mother Melissa Kendall both well known in the Queensland harness racing industry through their feats as trainer-drivers.

The 20-year-old has driven 157 winners since first hitting the racetrack in season 2018-19, with dual victories in the Queensland Young Drivers Championship among his career highlights.

“We’d love to be here (in Victoria) long term,” Chappenden says. “It’s great working for Emma and Cayton – they are really good people – and everyone here is good.

“I’d love to get a few drives, just try to build on my career and get some big drives.”

by Tim O’Connor, for Harness Racing Victoria