By Brigette Solomon
The Hygain Revell Douglas Memorial Series for Junior Drivers gets underway today with heat one at Cambridge Raceway.
The series, which was first held in 2022, is run in memory of the late Revell Douglas who tragically lost his life in an incident at Karioitahi Beach in 2021. The 46-year-old father of three was a talented horseman, a passionate supporter of all aspects of harness racing and a much valued employee of Hygain Feeds.
The series consists of seven races held at seven meetings across the North and South Island with drivers accumulating points and the series winner receiving a scholarship courtesy of race sponsors Hygain Feeds.
Heat one of the series kicks off at 2.10pm, with Fergus Schumacher driving the Peter Brown trained Irish Whispers (6), one of the early favourites for the race.
“He’s a nice horse and raced pretty well here on Friday after being parked for the trip,” says Schumacher, “I’ll be looking to hopefully drive him forward and be handy today as he does lack a little speed but can run along at a good cruising pace when he’s rolling.”
The Art Major gelding placed second here on Friday night after a tough run in the parked position sticking on well to be beaten just a neck by Barbarossa.
Auckland-based driver Stephanie Burley partners the Matthew White trained Spirit Of Waiheke (8) who starts as the highest rated horse in the race. The Bettor’s Delight mare finished third at Cambridge on January 9 when she was restrained to the rear of the field and made up solid ground to finish 2.9 length off race winner Waltzing With Miki.
“I’m really pleased to have the drive on her, I’ve driven her in trackwork and she’s just an honest mare that knows her job,” says Burley, “Starting from seven I’ll be waiting to see what the runners inside me do and hopefully slot in somewhere with cover early.”
“I like the Revell Douglas Series as it’s really open to all juniors and gives everyone a decent shot at a chance of winning a junior series,” says Burley.
“This year will likely be my last as a junior and I also work full time as an accountant, so it’s not always possible for me to chase drives with work commitments, so it’s exciting to have the opportunity to have a crack in the Revell Douglas Series.”
“The races in the series are usually well supported and I’m looking forward to the next heats down at Hawera next weekend.”
Heats two and three will be held at Hawera January 31 and February 2, with the series then heading to the South Island where heats will be run at the following meetings.
