TALENTED reinsman Nathan Ford has been selected to represent Tasmania in the 2011 Australasian Young Drivers Championship in Christchurch, New Zealand in April.
The 23-year-old from Brighton will compete in the series for the second time against drivers from all Australian states and the north and south islands of New Zealand. He previously represented Tasmania in Victoria in 2008, winning one of the seven heats.
In 2009/10 Ford achieved his first top 10 finish in second place behind Gareth Rattray and has maintained that position at the half way mark of the current season.
Ford will be attempting to make it a hat trick of Tasmanian wins in New Zealand after twin brothers Gareth (2003) and James Rattray (2005) were successful in the last two series across the Tasman.
Ford has driven 172 winners for a total of $978,168 in stakes. Mare Cullens Angel provided him with a career highlight win in the $30,000 Granny Smith at Devonport and two $15,000 race wins at Tabcorp Park Melton. Left Loaded and Ford combined to win the $25,000 2YO Sweepstakes Final at Hobart in 2009.
“I am very much looking forward to competing for Tasmania in this series,” he said.
“I would particularly like to thank Tasracing, my dad (Scott) and Uncle Phillip, and all the owners and trainers who have supported me throughout my career that has led to this opportunity.”
Tasracing Chairman Brian Speers said Ford had worked hard to win Tasmanian selection.
“Nathan is an exciting prospect,” he said. “His selection for the New Zealand series demonstrates the commitment he has made to harness racing and provides him with another excellent opportunity to compete at the highest level,” Mr Speers said.