Brett Stewart in action for Manly
Try scoring machine Brett Stewart has purchased a share in the Amanda Turnbull trained two year old Zee Dana. The NRL premiership winner had dabbled in the ownership of thoroughbreds and greyhounds previously but decided to purchase his first ever share in a pacer at the suggestion of good friend and Sky presenter Gareth Hall.
Zee Dana will make its debut next Wednesday evening at Bendigo after winning a trial at Shepparton by more than 20 metres.
“I’ve always enjoyed racing, I’ve had a few greyhounds in the past but most of my dogs haven’t got to the races so I’m really looking forward to Zee Dana racing next week,” said Stewart.
“I am roommates with Gareth and he sits down and watches harness racing a fair bit so I’ve been following the sport more and he mentioned there was a share available so I got involved.”
While Zee Dana will start his career in Victoria, Stewart is looking forward to the son of Tintin In America coming to Sydney at some stage in the future.
“Hopefully he comes to Sydney because I’ll get a few of the boys together and we will get out to Menangle for sure, it is always a good night out there.”
“They tell me Zee Dana won the trial comfortably and he looks like he has some ability so I’ll be tuning in to Sky to watch him on Wednesday.”
Stewart has played more than 200 games for Manly in his career, eight games for New South Wales and represented Australia in 2007.
Gareth Hall believes it is beneficial to harness racing to have high profile owners like Stewart involved in the sport.
“If harness racing can leverage more mainstream media coverage because of sportsmen like Brett then that is good for harness racing,” said Hall.
“I’ve got no doubt his Manly teammates will be keeping a close eye on Zee Dana’s performances and if it does a good job it may encourage them to become involved as well.”
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
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To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
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Name:
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Greg Hayes
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Position:
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Media Co-ordinator
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Phone:
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(02) 9722 6600
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Email:
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ghayes@hrnsw.com.au
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