Justin Reynolds. Photo by Amanda Rando
THE task of getting up each morning to work horses in the harsh winter in Oberon before heading off for your day job is one not for the faint-hearted.
The unpredictable winter weather in the state’s Central Tablelands is on the doorstop of Bathurst, one of harness racing’s strongest centres, Oberon itself having a proud history of producing some of the most talented trainers and drivers.
That’s despite having a population of not much more than 3000 residents.
One young reinsman who is currently in the middle of career-best form is Justin Reynolds, who was born, raised and still resides in the town.
A former Oberon sportsperson of the year, Reynolds is recognised as one of the state’s leading junior drivers and is passionate about harness racing.
Reynolds, who enjoys working alongside his father David and grandfather Russell preparing a small team of pacers, also holds down a fulltime job as an electrician.
Somehow, he still finds the time to make the trek out to Parkes or Dubbo on a Friday night, where he often has a full book of drives.
“The travel and juggling my time working the horses and going to my day job can be a bit full-on at times,” said Reynolds.
“But I love doing it, so it does not bother me all that much; I just hook in and get it all done.
“My concession claim has provided me with some nice opportunities, especially when I travel out west.
“When trainers in that part of the district see that I am driving at a race meeting they put me on their horses and my book can fill up quickly.”
Trainers and punters alike have a healthy respect for Reynolds’ ability and there is no doubt he will have his share of supporters at Bathurst tonight, where he has four drives.
Reynolds believes that despite his numerical form not reading all the best, the Steve Turnbull-trained Tamanisha Terror, in Race 3, has sound claims after drawing well in gate two.
Despite being unplaced in eight runs since winning at Coolamon in April, the gelding has not been that far away from the money and can bounce back tonight from the draw.
“He is a horse that can bob up from nowhere and I feel that with the right run he has a realistic chance,” said the young reinsman.
