Driver and now trainer, Jack Trainor, the one to follow at Menangle on Tuesday. Photo by Club Menangle
FORMER Kiwi reinsman Jack Trainor must wish that 2020 never ends.
Despite the travel restrictions due to COVID-19, Trainor is having the season of his life and continues to rack up the winners with 126 this season to sit in sixth place on the overall premiership.
Trainor is the man to follow at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday when he partners three of the seven favourites, as well as two other handy drives at the south-western Sydney circuit.
“This season has been extended so I guess my winners have been inflated a bit – “normally we’d be into the next season by now but it has been a terrific run and I’m loving it,” said Trainor.
His best drive on Tuesday does appear to be Red Reactor for local Menangle horseman David Thorn in Race 4.
“He’s been a great horse since he’s come over although he probably races best when he can be saved up for one run,” said Trainor.
“But he does look the one to beat there, for sure. Let’s hope so.
“Christmas Toyboy [Race 3] also went well last start. He should be able to lead again and he’ll go well.
“Navua Star [Race 6] has plenty of ability and early tactics might be the key in this race.
“He does have a mind of his own sometimes, this horse, but he’s still a pretty nice pacer and I reckon he’ll run first or second.”
Trainor agreed Red Reactor did shape as the best of a good book of drives.
The young trainer-driver branched out on his own recently and now has five in work at the Menangle Training Centre, including Chrissy Chic, who won well at Bathurst last week.
“They’re all honest and it’s a nice little team,” he said.
“Jason Grimson and I work together, and we have 12 between us and it’s all going well.”
Trainor is also good friends with Dexter Dunn who has become the No1 reinsman in the US in the past couple of seasons.
“He’s just killing them over there,” said Trainor.
“I’d love to go over there for a holiday and follow the boys around for a week or two and see what it’s all about.
“But at this stage I am happy with the way things are going here.
“Hopefully, this run rolls on into next season.”
