It's a simple question that is frequently asked......Is Gavin Lang our greatest driver of all time?
Just recently, Gavin Lang reached a very important milestone in his chosen field of harness racing by registering his 4000th winner and did so without the pomp and ceremony that should be attached to such a historic mark in this industry.
As a matter of fact, Gavin himself couldn't even tell you who he drove to reach this milestone. At the end of the day, Gavin doesn't consider this overly important and is just happy doing what he does best - DRIVING!
Gavin Lang has made his life harness racing, learning to drive at the tender age of 6 before gaining his official licence at age 16. His first winning drive came aboard Pensive Dream, trained by his father at Kilmore in 1975. His first metropolitan winning drive was Wilrose at the Melbourne Showgrounds in 1977.
It was during this period in his fledgling career as a driver that he gained great exposure by representing his state of Victoria in the 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1980 Australian Young Drivers' Championships.
During the season of 1984/85, Gavin notched his first century of winners and he hasn't slowed down, Gavin is credited with the most century of wins with his current standing of 23 which is soon to be at 24 as he currently sits with 65 winners for this current season.
His all time best season haul was 222 in the season of 2000.
Other stand-out statistics that Gavin has picked up along the way include-;
* Leading State Driver 7 times
* Leading Australian Driver 4 times
* Most winners at one meeting - 6 at Stawell on the 4/4/02
* Group 1 or 2 wins in every state of Australia
* 3 Inter Dominion Trotting Grand Finals
Other major awards that have gone the way of Gavin Lang include-; Induction to the Inter Dominion Hall Of Fame and back to back wins of the Harness Racing Weekly Vin Knight Medal(2003/04).
Amazingly, Gavin Lang has never represented Australia in a World Drivers' Championship.
Gavin Lang credits his father Graeme 'Poppy' Lang as his mentor and his wife Anita as his heart and soul.
Gavin Lang rates Scotch Notch as the best horse he has driven.
The following is a list of the star performers that Gavin Lang has partnered throughout his stellar career(no particular order)-; Scotch Notch, True Roman, Sumthingaboutmaori, Smooth Satin, Double Identity, Iraklis, Manifold Bay, Denver Gift, My Lightning Blue, The Sentry, Robin Hood, Franco Ice, Riverlea Jack, Another Bart, Franco Tiger, Mister D G, Wagon Apollo, Innocent Eyes, Floreat, All Promises, Sassy Sarah, Lee Vegas, Self Denial, Nicholas Branach, Miss Hazel, Lombo Skyrider, Vanderport, Ataturk, Persistency, Yulestar, Rainbow Knight, London Legend, Golden Reign, Imperial Atom, Kept For Pleasure, Bottle Of Bubbly, Triliner, Myrniong Way, Second Dollar, Jagged Account, Coco's Dream, Ashlee's Babe, Larrakeyah Lady, Provocative, Hyperstat, Aim First, Blue And Royal, Northern Brewer, Jonnells Son, Here Comes David, Bal Harbour, Last Sunset, Table Card, Exemplify, Black Duke, Grumpy Ole Man, Our Navy Lady, Penny Veejay, Voight, Myrniong Minka, Andandon, Crystal Sunset, Euro Ringeat, Unique Icon, Top Evander, Sparkling Eyes, Bronski Beat, Marching Order, Our Real Force, Poet's Corner, Mont Denver Gold, Newsbreaker, Low Man, Aberdeen, Maffioso, Sentinel, Johnny Aigar, Young Trouper, Hokum plus many more.........
The year of 2008 will be a time Gavin Alexander Lang fondly reflects upon for a 3 important reasons-;
1. Notching up the Fantastic 4000 winners.
2. Celebrating his 50th birthday.
3. And most importantly for Gavin - the resurrection of his beloved Carlton Blues Footy team!
