Reinsman Gavin Lang revved up for another big race on Hectorjayjay in Group 1 Blacks A Fake

CHAMPION reinsman Gavin Lang is living life in the fast lane, on and off the track.

Gavin Lang enjoys cruising around on his new Harley Davidson.

GAVIN Lang is living life in the fast lane, on and off the track.

The champion reinsman, known as the “Ice Man” for his calmness under intense pressure, recently bought a Harley Davidson to indulge his need for speed.

Lang, 57, will be in Brisbane on Saturday to drive Hectorjayjay in the Group 1 Blacks A Fake after an incredible win on the pacer in last week’s Sunshine Sprint at Albion Park.

Hectorjayjay won from a virtually impossible position after being second last just before the turn and having to go three and four wide to produce an amazing sprint.

Lang will be in the hot seat again on Saturday and the veteran reinsman, with more than 5000 career victories, will have his game face on race day.

But in between big-race drives, Lang loves to let his hair down and go for a spin on his Harley through the Victorian countryside. He has turned plenty of heads by arriving at several big harness meetings in Victoria on the back of his high-powered Harley.

“I was brought up on a farm so we always had farm bikes, but I have never had a road bike until recently,” Lang said. “Everyone has got to have something that gets them away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and for me I just love cruising around on my Harley.

“I’ve had some great rides on my Harley, I have gone all the way up the Great Ocean Road and on lovely drives to places like Daylesford.”

Lang was so excited after crossing the line on Hectorjayjay last week that he shook his head in disbelief and gave a flamboyant winning salute.

Hectorjayjay, trained by David Aiken, is the $1.85 UBET favourite for the Blacks A Fake and has drawn gate five.

Hectorjayjay is a dominant favourite for the Group 1 Blacks A Fake at Albion Park on Saturday night. Picture: Stuart McCormick

“I have driven a lot at Albion Park and watched a lot of races there, and to do what Hectorjayjay did last week is very rare on that track,” Lang said.

“Hector is the sort of horse who appeals to a lot of people and captures their imagination as he can win from just about anywhere. You get some horses that are tough and can out grind their rivals. And you get others who have a good sprint.

“But Hector is a pretty special horse and no matter where he is in the field, he has a good chance of winning. Most very good horses have more than one string to their bow and Hector is certainly in that category.”

Lang is likely to have an interesting decision to make before the Inter Dominion in Perth in November. Not only does he have a good association with Hectorjayjay but he also drives Cranbourne Cup winner Yankee Rockstar and the impressive Ideal For Real.

“My philosophy is I will make those sort of decisions and cross that bridge when I have to,” Lang said. “But there isn’t any sort of pressure from any camp.”

Originally published as Reinsman Gavin Lang revved up for another big race on Hectorjayjay in Group 1 Blacks A Fake