Mini-trotters getting Queensland kids into harness racing

THE future of the Queensland harness racing industry is embedded in the charge of the very light brigade.

Young gun Ezekiel Fitness (Phantom Fella) leads the mini-trotters race at Kilcoy from Luke Thirgood (Little Trooper), Matilda Fudge (Flying Frankie), Briana Davis (Too Good For You) and Zac Davis (Awesome Win).

THE future of the Queensland harness racing industry is embedded in the charge of the very light brigade.

A group of youngsters between six and 16 who train mini-trotters that race around southeast Queensland are seen as the harness racing stars of the future.

The ponies are a perfect way for youngsters to launch their involvement in the industry and the benefits stretch far beyond the track.

Lane Dwyer, 9, son of local harness identities Graham and Martine, required heart surgery as a two-year-old and the mini-trotters have played a significant role in his rehabilitation.

“Getting involved has been great for Lane because he needed six to 12 months to recover from his surgery and his social skills were not great for a while,’’ Martine said.

“But he has become very confident around horses and in the harness groups he is very outgoing. He loves all parts of the industry.

‘‘Pete McMullen is his idol.

“As soon as he gets home from school every day he just wants to work and brush his pony. He even got to race in Sydney on Miracle Mile night. It’s been a great experience for him.’’

Ezekiel Fitness began driving mini when he was six years old and has driven almost every pony in the club.

Zac Chappenden wants to be a harness racing driver and his parents are both drivers.

Briana Davis drives the biggest pony in the club and comes from a long line of mini-trotting drivers, with her mother and aunt driving mini-trotters when they were young.

Kalee Shackleford-Weller’s commitment to the sport is such she travels from Gympie, where her parents supply bulls for many local rodeos.

Among the star graduates of the club are the three Rasmussen girls – Natalie, Kylie and Vicki – who are regarded as champion horsewomen.

Industry benefactors Kevin and Kay Seymour have instituted new awards for the youngsters, with major family trips on offer for best presented driver, pony and best performance.

The club has many activities away from the track including family days at locations such as Aussie World and Splash Water Park, educational days and qualifying days for new drivers and ponies.

The horses are required to be no bigger than 13 hands.

Most are Shetlands although there is at least one Welsh mountain pony on the circuit.

Ponies can cost between several hundred and several thousand dollars but children do not have to own one to learn to drive.

â–  NEW Zealand open-class pacer Ohoka Punter will make his Albion Park debut tomorrow for trainer-driver Nathan Purdon.

While debate continues over who is the state’s best pacer, Avonnova or Ultimate Art, Ohoka Punter is expected to challenge hard in the coming weeks.

Dual Queensland Horse of the Year Avonnova will take on Ohoka Punter tomorrow night and seemed sharp at the trials this week.

Originally published as Mini-trotters getting Queensland kids into harness racing