Zac taps in to winning community spirit

Country Victoria’s Zac Steenhuis has always been a bundle of enthusiasm – but his new levels of endeavour account for his latest harness racing winner, super impressive four-year-old mare Tap To Pay (Sportswriter).

“It’s tough going in this sport at the moment with low stakemoney and bonus cuts in Victoria, so I decided to get on the front foot,” the Charlton-based trainer-driver said.

“I’d previously had a chat with (Bendigo trainer) Peter Salathiel, and we agreed on a price for Tap To Pay, who is out of Peter’s former very good racemare Ay Tee Em (Mach Three),” he said.

“The next step was to start chasing up some local people I thought might be interested in being owners.”

Steenhuis, his partner Brittany and their three children arrived in Charlton less than 12 months ago to establish themselves at the town’s harness racing training centre but have taken quickly to community life.

“I went off talking to Charlton business houses, tradies, local footballers, farmers and anyone else who would listen!” Steenhuis said.

“I ended up with 30 people and I did it all. There’s eight of us and then two syndicates –The Roughies Group which is a group of 19 and 20-year-olds from the footy club and there’s The Firm Group, which is a group of older people.

“For many of them, this is the first horse they’ve owned. There was a few came over to Swan Hill to watch the race when she won, and most of the others turned up to the pub to watch – they were pretty rowdy we hear!”

Driven by ace reinsman James Herbertson, Tap To Pay was sent out a warm $1.70 favorite in the Battlers of the Bush 4yo and older maiden pace last Sunday night (Jan 19).

They landed in a handy one-out and two-back position and always appeared to be travelling well.

With 450m to go, “Herbie” pounced on a three-wide trail and after getting momentarily held up on the home corner, he made the race-winning move in deciding to angle for a sprint lane run, rather than hook three or four wide.

Tap To Pay responded nicely and went to the line full of running with an 11 metre advantage over Captains Dream (Kerryn Manning). The mile rate of 1.55-8 was quick for that class.

“I did feel a bit of pressure, but it was awesome to get that win first-up for them,” Steenhuis said.

“I really like the horse and despite her being only small, she’s a nice type and I think she’ll provide them with heaps of fun.  I had her in at Wedderburn next Sunday, but the race didn’t stand up so I’ll have to check on the programs to see what’s next.”

The Steenhuis family’s decision to take up a trainer vacancy at the Charlton complex has certainly paid off, enjoying their best-ever season in 2024 with 34 wins and 69 placings.

“We had a nice team with Victory George and Ultimate Bonny leading the way. You need a few quality horses to keep things ticking along. We’re working 10 at the moment and I’ll take on more if the right ones come along,” he said.

Hoofnote: Another young Charlton team, Tori Hutchins and Luke Dunne, who moved to the Charlton complex four months ago, have not missed a beat so far in 2025 – winning four races from just 10 starters.

One of those was Sir Vincent (Vincent) at the Swan Hill meeting, who with stablemate Jilliby Typhoon, will contest the Central Victorian Pacing Championship at Wedderburn on Sunday.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink