ONE OF Tasmania’s most talented young reinsmen Todd Rattray has been rewarded for his brilliance in the sulky by being selected to represent Tasmania at next year’s Australasian Young Drivers Championship in Perth, Western Australia.
Rattray will compete against drivers from all Australian states and the north and south islands of New Zealand at what will be his first representative assignment.
Rattray, 21, is a dual winner of both of Tasmania’s series for emerging drivers.
He won the Bullock Consulting Youngbloods Challenge series in 2009 and 2011 and he was Tasmania’s Leading Junior Driver in 2008/09 and 2010/11.
Rattray secured his driver’s licence five years ago and in that time he has managed to grow his tally of winners every season starting with 14 in 2006/07, 19 (2007/08), 30 (2008/09), 33 (2009/10) and 42 last season.
“I’m excited about being selected to represent the state. It’s the ultimate achievement for any young driver,” Rattray said.
“This past year has been my best and to get 42 winners last season was a good result,” he said.
Rattray’s biggest win was in the 2009 $30,000 4YO Granny Smith Final driving the
Rattray family-owned and trained mare Ashkalini.
He will be attempting a family quadrella in the Australasian series.
His father Barrie won in 1982 when it was held in New Zealand, followed by brothers Gareth (2003 and 2010) and James (2005).
“It’s an honour to have the opportunity to improve on the family record in the series,” he said.
Rattray learned his craft at the family-owned Karalta Pacing Stables at Longford but in recent times he has made a move that he hopes will help his career to blossom outside of the shadow of his older brother Gareth who has won the past six
Tasmanian driver’s premierships.
He works full time for Riverside (Launceston) harness trainer Chester Bullock.
“There are many people who have assisted me in harness racing but I particularly want to thank my family and Chester Bullock,” he said.
The 2012 Australasian Young Drivers championship starts on 27 February and the last of seven heats will be at Gloucester Park on 2 March – the night of the Inter Dominion Grand Final.