Josh Aiken will step out of dad David's shadow today to train Shezagaga at TGab
A popular driver who was prompted into the big gig through Raceapacer will officially train his first horse for racing today.
Josh Aiken has been listed as trainer-driver for Shezagaga in today’s fifth race at Tabcorp Park Melton, a race restricted to horses trained by holders of B Grade trainers’ licences.
Aiken’s debut training effort was fast-tracked after he accepted an invitation to train a Raceapacer, which is a joint program between Harness Racing Victoria and Mark Hoare that provides legal and ethical syndication of race horses.
Raceapacer purchased Aldebaran Crescent for $31,000 at Sunday’s Australasian Premier Trotting Sales, acquiring a 16-month-old filly by Majestic Son out of Maori Road. The horse was assigned to Aiken and shares are available for as little as $890.50 for those wanting to experience the thrill of ownership.
Aiken said he decided to get his trainer’s licence after Raceapacer’s approach, having previously been happy to assist his father, trainer David Aiken, who has enjoyed a stellar season with Lennytheshark.
Aiken said preparing Shezagaga today as his first trained horse was “pretty exciting”, though it didn’t feel out of the ordinary.
“Dad usually sends us off with the horses, so it doesn’t feel any different, but it is exciting,” Aiken said. “I wasn’t really planning on training this early. I love driving, but I love the training side of things as well.”
Aiken said he had always been hands-on with Shezagaga, which he part-owns, and expected her to run a good race today. ”It's not a great field but she's not a great horse,” he said. “If they go fast she should be right in it."
Race five takes place at 3.33pm and includes Ace Duigan, which broke a track record at Echuca last week when in the hands of International All Star Brett Miller.
If you are looking for a pathway into harness racing ownership Raceapacer offers a fun, flexible and affordable ownership experience. To see how you can get involved with Josh Aiken’s latest stable member click here http://www.raceapacer.com.au/current-team/
