Star Tasmanian harness racing participant Gareth Rattray reached a great milestone in Launceston last night where he notched his 1000th win.
Rattray ended the program with a double to expand to take his season total to 59 wins. It was Holme On The Bayou which provided Rattray with the magical milestone.
Reaching such a mark at the age of 29 is quite a remarkable feat and it is clear Rattray is already is one of the greatest Tasmanian reinsmen.
Last December, Queenslander Peter McMullen became the youngest Australian driver to record 1000 wins when successful behind Ezi Days at Albion Park.
McMullen was 23 years, four months, and 18 days old.
Popular reinswoman Amanda Turnbull set the previous mark when she partnered Forever Texas to glory at Peak Hill last June.
Turnbull was 24 years and 4 months, which bettered Morgan Woodley 24 years and eight months.
Others to reach 1000 wins at a young age include Luke McCarthy (25 years, one month and two days), Kerryn Manning (25 years, eight months and seven days), Gary Hall junior (26 years, seven months and 17 days) and Greg Sugars (26 years, eight months and seven days).
As for Rattray, he is just the fifth Tasmanian to achieve the feat – the others being is father Barrie Rattray (1567 wins), Neville Webberley (1369), Ricky Duggan (1332) and the late Darrel Alexander (1315).
Rattray is on target to win his 10th consecutive drivers’ premiership given he is 25 clear of his nearest rival Ricky Duggan.
Rattray, twin to Inter Dominion winning horseman James, began driving in 2001, and after winning his first driver’s premiership in 2005/06, has dominated the state’s driving ranks.
If he wins this season’s drivers’ title he will be only three premierships behind the great Jack Stamford.
Gareth’s father Barrie won 11, while Neville Webberley and Bert Lewis each won seven.
Along the way Rattray has represented Tasmania on numerous occasions, winning the Australasian Young Driver’s Championship twice.
He also represented Australia at the World Driving Championships in Europe in 2009.
Rattray is no stranger to winning feature races with the following just a few of his major successes:
- Tasmania Cup 2012 (Motu Crusader) and 2013 (Motu Crusader)
- Tasmanian Derby 2015 (Mister Lennox)
- Hobart Pacing Cup 2005 (The Grouse), 2009 (Yakuza), 2013 (Benediction) and 2014 (Spot Nine)
- Evicus Stakes (2YO fillies) 2008 (Karalta Crown) and 2010 (Benediction)
- Dandy Patch (2YO colts and geldings) 2008 (Cody Maverick)
- Globe Derby (3YO) Stakes 2011 (Beautide)
- Raider Stakes (4YO) 2010 (Babyitsu)
- Granny Smith (4YO Mares) 2007 (Death and Taxes)
- 2YO Sweepstakes 2010 (Benediction), 2011 (Cloudy Delight) and 2012 (Pachacuti).