Ross gets NSW off to a flyer in interstate challenge

Talented teenage driver Harrison Ross has put New South Wales in a strong position in the annual Nic Dewar Memorial harness racing series against Victoria with two-from-two in the opening round.

“It’s the first time I’ve been selected to drive in this series, and it was pretty good to get the two wins that’s for sure,” an excited Ross said.

The Young club in the NSW south west slopes region hosted the two interstate teams at its meeting last Friday night (April 12) and the spotlight now moves to Shepparton this Wednesday (April 17) where two further heats will be contested.

Each year the series is staged by the two clubs in memory of the late Nic Dewar, who showed so much promise in a career that was cut short when he lost his life in a car accident in 2018.

The youngster had competed at Shepparton and was driving home to Young.

“I didn’t know Nic, but I’ve heard a lot of nice things about him from friends. They put on a dinner after our races at Young and I got to spend some time with his family. They are such beautiful people,” Ross said.

“I’ve driven home after a few late nights at race meetings. It’s all part of it, but it’s not fun.”

Ross landed his opening heat win on Fly To The Finish (Bettors Delight), courtesy of some quick thinking with almost a lap to go. He was positioned behind the leader, but when the chance came to pop out into the one-one sweet seat, he pounced.

“I was probably a bit lucky and then just got the better of Johnnys Blue, who raced in the death-seat. I think the margin was a short half head, but we got there,” he said.

NSW finished first and second in the race with Ross and Olivia Frisby fighting out the finish. Victorians in Tasmyn Potter and Abby Sanderson were third and fourth.

In the second heat, Ross worked around to the front on I Didn’t Know That (Vincent) in the first lap and dictated terms on the fancied runner, sent out as $1.40 favorite. His NSW team-mates James Locke, Olivia Frisby and Jett Turnbull were second, third and fourth.

Ross, who is based at Goulburn, said he was a frequent competitor at meetings held at Young.

“I’ve been lucky to have driven four or five doubles there before. I’ve only got the one drive at Shepparton, but I’m looking forward to it because this will be my first drive there,” he said.

Ross has 59 wins to his name after starting driving about three years ago.

“I spent about 14 months in Tasmania and was lucky to get a job back home in Goulburn with Brad Hewitt. He’s a great mentor and always willing to help you out. His team is going really well at the moment,” he said.

The youngster was thrilled to compete in the Rising Stars last October, where he finished fifth, while another highlight was landing a Saturday night Menangle winner for Luke McCarthy on The Croupier (Roll With Joe).

“I’ve had three or four at country meetings at the Menangle track, but it was so good to get a metro winner.”

The Dewar Memorial heats at Shepparton are races one and two on Wednesday (Apr 17) night, timed to start at 5.30pm and 6.02pm.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink